UPDATE
by Mike Colón
mcolon@cbs4qc.com
The process of picking a panel of jurors in the latest Nicholas Sheley murder trial has begun. So far three jurors have been seated, one man and two women.
Sheley is accused of killing Russell Reed of Sterling in 2008. He is charged with killing six others and has already been convicted of murdering an eighth person.
Monday, nearly 20 potential jurors were filtered through the system; both the state and defense were allowed to ask questions about virtually anything. They brought up any past experiences that might affect the jurors decision. The main question was if the juror felt they could be unbiased. The chosen jurors range from a preschool teacher to a farm hand.
Potential jurors are being asked numerous questions to determine if they are suitable to sit on the jury. Lawyers for Sheley and the prosecution are asking them about their level of education, their families, and what they have heard about Sheley and the trial.
Attorneys are asking if they can remain unbiased, and if they were a defendant in a serious court case, would they want themselves as a juror.
Sheley was in the courtroom and appeared to be very involved with his attorney regarding the selection. They'll start back up again Tuesday morning. The judge says the trial can't start until they have 12 fair and impartial jurors. They're hoping that will be early next week.
