1:30 -- Jury selection continues in Roderick Washington trial
The 43 remaining potential jurors in the trial of Roderick Washington resumed at 1:30 p.m. today and they were first asked biographical questions which are typically asked during the voir dire process. They have been asked for information such as where they live, their occupations, information about their family and if they've ever served on a jury or been the victim of a crime, via questionnaire form.
They responded aloud to judge Thomas Reese, while Washington, defense counsel and
assistant state attorneys sat quietly at their respective tables and listened.
Prosecutors and defense counsel took notes based on the potential jurors' answers.
Assistant State Attorney Bobby Lee questioned jurors who indicated they were a victim of a crime or knew someone who was a victim of a crime. He asked if any of those jurors would be unable to be fair as a juror in Washington's trial because of their experiences with law enforcement.
One juror indicated her son has been convicted of murder. Though Washington is also on trial for murder, the juror told Lee she thought she could be impartial if selected.
Another juror said his father was murdered and the accused killer convicted in court. He also said he thought he could be fair as a juror.
A female juror told Lee her uncle was convicted of manslaughter but that she could be impartial.
Lee continues to question jurors. When he is finished defense council will pose questions to the remaining jury pool.
Washington, one of 10 defendants accused in the killings, faces a life prison sentence. He is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The case is often referenced by the name of a rap group several of the defendants were a part of the "Cash Feenz."
Due to publicity, lawyers are individually questioning jurors about their knowledge of the case, to avoid contaminating the jury pool. The questioning is taking place in a smaller room connected to courtroom H in the Lee County Justice Center. The questioning cannot be heard from the courtroom.
When presiding judge Reese asked if any of the jurors had heard about the case, a majority raised their hands to indicate they had.
"Knowledge of the case is OK," Reese told potential jurors. "I'm concerned about if you've formed an opinion. Can you be objective, fair and impartial, and reach a conclusion."
Reese told potential jurors that the allegations against Washington are not proof of guilt, and that the presumption of innocence stays with him until proven guilty by evidence.
Several of the jurors have left the courtroom after questioning, while others have taken a seat in the gallery.
Jury selection is expected to take through today. Reese estimated the trial will run through the week.
11:25 -- Jury questioned during selection process in Cash Feenz defendant’s trial
Jury selection has begun in the trial of Roderick Washington, accused in the torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa in Cape Coral.
Washington, one of 10 defendants accused in the killings, faces a life prison sentence. He is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The case is often referenced by the name of a rap group several of the defendants were a part of the "Cash Feenz."
Due to publicity, lawyers are individually questioning jurors about their knowledge of the case, to avoid contaminating the jury pool. The questioning is taking place in a smaller room connected to courtroom H in the Lee County Justice Center. The questioning cannot be heard from the courtroom.
When presiding judge Thomas Reese asked if any of the jurors had heard about the case, a majority raised their hands to indicate they had.
"Knowledge of the case is OK," Reese told potential jurors. "I'm concerned about if you've formed an opinion. Can you be objective, fair and impartial, and reach a conclusion."
Reese told potential jurors that the allegations against Washington are not proof of guilt, and that the presumption of innocence stays with him until proven guilty by evidence.
Several of the jurors have left the courtroom after questioning, while others have taken a seat in the gallery.
Jury selection is expected to take through today. Reese estimated the trial will run through the week.
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