The Woodward News

Local News

August 22, 2007

Jury selected for Pollard trial

ALVA - A jury of seven men and five women were sworn in Tuesday to try the first degree murder case against Katherine Rutan Pollard in Woods County District Court.

The 12 jurors were selected from a group of 33 prospective jurors, who were selected at random from the larger jury pool and interviewed by District Judge Roy Dean Linder as well as by the attorneys for both the prosecution and the defense.

Linder first interviewed the potential jurors about their connection or relationship with anyone involved in the case, whether it be the defendant, any of the attorneys or any of the 104 potential witnesses.

He also asked if they or any close connection of theirs ever had any personal experience which would influence their hearing of the case, such as being the victims of any serious crimes.

One of the main questions asked by Assistant District Attorney Chris Ross was whether the jurors could determine that a death had occurred without the presence of a body, since Pollard is charged with killing her son Logan Tucker in 2002, but his body has never been found. He noted that Oklahoma law does not require there be a body to prove murder.

Defense Attorney Gerald Weis focused on questioning jurors about their bias. He asked them whether they could withhold judgment until all the evidence had been heard. He also asked if they could set aside any previous knowledge or opinions about the case and thus judge the case solely on the evidence presented in open court.

Several of the 33 potential jurors admitted during the interviewing process that they had already made up their minds about the case and were excused from the jury panel.

Others were excused because other responsibilities, which conflicted with their ability to serve on the jury.

The prosecution and the defense also were allowed to challenge and excuse up to nine more jurors each. The defense chose to utilize eight of their challenges, while the state only utilized six.

It took almost seven hours to select the final 12 members for the trial jury.

After swearing the jury in, Linder explained that they would be responsible for trying Pollard on the charge of murder in the first degree. He also explained to them that the prosecution holds the burden of proving to them beyond a reasonable doubt that Pollard committed the crime and that she is presumed innocent until that burden is satisfied.

Linder instructed the jury not to talk about the case either among themselves or with anyone else as well as to refrain from reading, viewing or listening to any news reports about the case.

The trial was then recessed until today at 9:30 a.m. when the attorneys will complete the process of selecting four alternate jurors.

Once the alternates are selected, opening arguments should start.

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