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StumbleuponAttorneys spend first day of Arnold retrial selecting jurors
Monday, August 11, 2008
DAYTON — Jury selection for the China Arnold aggravated murder trial started Monday, Aug. 11, with the first day focused on selecting people who could serve for three weeks, the projected length of the trial.
Four panels of prospective jurors were interviewed Monday by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Mary Wiseman, assistant Montgomery County prosecutor David Franceschelli and defense attorney Jon Paul Rion. Jury selection will continue through at least Thursday.
Arnold, 28, is known across the Dayton region and beyond as the woman accused of killing her 3-week-old daughter in a microwave oven. Charged with aggravated murder, she could face the death penalty if convicted.
Though only 12 jurors, plus some alternates, will be needed, those on the four panels totaled more than 120 people. More than 30 were dismissed Monday after questioning about possible undue hardships and health concerns. Those who were left were ordered to complete juror questionnaires and return later this week.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the questioning will focus on the potential jurors' attitudes about the death penalty. On Thursday, those left in the jury pool will undergo standard jury selection, with questions about their knowledge of the case, whether they know any of the witnesses or have any other biases.
This is Arnold's second trial. The first ended in February with a mistrial.
