| Potential juror pool grows by three April 7, 2004 Three more people were chosen as possible jurors in the Scott Peterson double-murder trial in Redwood City. First was a young man who faces a felony criminal charge himself relating to losing his temper about six months ago. "There was just stuff added up for so long that it came out the wrong way," he said. "I did it, I've got to pay the consequences.'' The man's alleged crime was not disclosed. If he is convicted of a felony, he would be ineligible for jury duty, but could potentially qualify if his charge is reduced. The man also said he believes San Mateo police harass him solely for being friends with Pacific Islanders, yet he claimed to hold no grudge against law enforcement. The second person chosen was a well-spoken Internet services manager from Redwood City, in his 40s, who gives regularly to the American Civil Liberties Union, the MoveOn.org political organization, and the California Public Interest Research Group. He said he used to be fervently against the death penalty, but now believes it could be a good idea in some cases. "I have an ongoing philosophical debate internally," he said, "but I believe I can faithfully execute the law in this case." The computer programmer, a large man who owns his own business, told prosecutor Rick Distaso that he lost his 1-year-old daughter in 2000 to congenital heart defects. Distaso asked if this experience would color the man's opinion of the case. He replied it would not. Distaso also spent time questioning the man about his political affiliations after learning he had recently joined the American Civil Liberties Union. Despite his political leanings, the man, a Democrat, said he had no bias against prosecutors and that he can be fair. Prosecutor David Harris, who questioned each prospective juror, appeared reluctant to have either on the final jury panel. The final person chosen was a woman who looked to be in her 50s whose husband fell down a staircase and died some years ago. The woman had also served as a juror in a prior case that ended in a hung jury. "I just wanted to get out of there," she said when asked what happened. The jury pool was reduced last month from 1,000 to about 300, In this phase, people are dismissed for being adamantly for or against the death penalty, and for having a strong belief that Scott is guilty. Those who are not dismissed will return to court May 13, known as the ``Big Spin'' day, when the pool will be narrowed to 12 jurors and six alternates. THE JURORS - WHO THEY ARE HOME INDEX TRIAL NEWS LACI SCOTT AMBER EVIDENCE-NEWS |
| LACI & CONNER ?Pray For Justice |
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| LACI & CONNER ?Pray For Justice |