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Will we get a jury today? Selection could run into Saturday, but it's looking more and more likely that Judge Perry will have seated a jury and alternates by that time. If so, opening statements will kick off in the Orange County courthouse Monday morning!
Juror #3050 is vehemently anti-DP; said he would automatically vote against it. He is excused.
Juror #3060 is next. He was to check with school board to see about pay during service. Tells judge they'll pay him at 100% during service. First time juror recalls hearing about case is about 3 mos ago (on CNN, he thinks). Saw pictures of the little girl, couple of houses they were searching. Can't recall details or names. Co-workers discussed the case being brought to Pinellas for jury selection, but no opinions expressed. Juror himself has no opinion of guilt.
No questions from state or defense, so judge moves on to DP voir dire. Juror agrees to extend presumption of innocence. This juror is also against the death penalty...says he could never vote for it. Another excused for cause.
Juror #3170 is called in. He heard a little of the initial reports, from TV. That a little girl was missing and they couldn't find the body; that the body was found about 6 mos later. Hasn't seen any of the cable shows judge asks about. Has no opinion about Anthony's guilt or innocence. State has no questions.
Baez for defense. Juror recalls utility worker found the little girl; does not remember her name. He and wife like to watch NCIS, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars. They both teach and go to bed early, so usually don't watch news.
Judge begins DP voir dire. Juror teaches US government and has LE/defense attorneys come into his class. Teaches his kids about the very concepts the judge is discussing, he says. Juror says he's pretty neutral about death penalty. Believes in rule of law, and if that's indicated as appropriate under law...says again pretty neutral. Juror says he can follow all the court's instructions; can vote DP if appropriate or LWOP if appropriate. No questions by state.
Ann Finnell for the defense. Cart and horse, etc. When asked about age/maturity as mitigating factors, juror says, "I don't think so." Says he could consider them, though, if judge instructed him to.
General voir dire by Frank George for the state. Cameras, media in this trial won't affect him. Juror has been married three times. Most recent marriage is 4 years now. Has one son from first marriage, 23 yrs old; two teen stepchildren who live with him.
Juror was pulled over for "possible DUI," but "it was changed to careless driving." Was arrested, taken into custody. Was resolved via plea deal. Says he took business law class in college and many of the US govt classes included elements of law. George asked if he thought he could bring some extra knowledge to the jury. Juror says no, not extra or special knowledge.
When asked if he'd like to be a juror he says yes -- wants to do his civic duty, would be a new experience, and it would be a good teaching tool for his class.
Mason for the defense. Juror has an atty friend (a substitute teacher) who comes in and talks to kids about criminal law, such as what to do if one gets pulled over. Agrees he can hold his ground against other jurors if he feels differently.
No challenges. Juror #3170 becomes 17th retained potential juror.
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