After calling in 167 people, 16 jurors have been chosen for the trial of 22-year old Marissa Shephard.
Seven men and seven women will sit in judgment of Shephard, with two women as alternates in case one of the original jurors is absent.
The alternates only stay aside until the first question is posed to the first witness, at which point they are free to go.
Throughout the jury selection process Shephard appeared to be at ease, and seemed calm and collected as the jury was slowly assembled over two and a half days.
Shephard is wearing a collar shirt and sweater. Seems at ease, smiling and laughing occasionally as she chats with her legal team.
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) March 7, 2018
167th: a woman. She’s chosen as juror #16. She’s the second alternate. And with that, after seeing 167 potential jurors, with six no shows, jury selection for Marissa Shephard’s first degree murder and arson trial is over.
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) March 7, 2018
Shephard is facing charges of first degree murder and arson in relation to the death of 18-year old Baylee Wylie in December of 2015.
The trial resumes today at 1:30 with Judge Dionne giving his instructions to the jury.
Judge Dionne is thanking the remaining people called for jury duty. Adding it’s important for the public to be involved in the administration of justice. “You’ve shown your civic responsibility by appearing and I wanted to thank you.” -Judge Dionne
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) March 7, 2018
