Day 5 - week 1 is over

Hello all. Well, week one of the Jerry Anderson murder trial has come to an end. This week we saw more than 45 jurors dismissed for various reasons, ranging from death penalty opinions, knowledge of the case, medical issues and family emergencies.
We might see a jury seated by the end of next week. Most likely, those involved are saying it will be the week after next.
Whenever it starts, I'm ready, as I am sure most of you are, to hear the evidence and testimonies of those called to testify. Remember the list Bellas read Monday? More than 240 names were called of potential witnesses. This is going to be a long trial, but a good one.

Day 4 - Anderson in court

I must admit. I miss being down in court, watching the action. Even though they are in the beginning stages of the trial, there's something I enjoy about being in a courtroom. Oh well, as we all know, life goes by fast. It might be another week or so, but opening statements and testimony will begin before we know it.
As of now, I haven't gotten in touch with anyone in court today. I was told yesterday that jury selection will continue, with the defense getting a chance to ask questions and ask for dismissals. I doubt the entire jury was sat, yet, but maybe a few were. As soon as I find out something, I'll post it!

Day 3

Hey guys. I know I wasn't in court today, but here's a little bit of what happened:
The state continued questioning potential jurors. Thirty more Gaston County residents joined a pool that dwindled down to five by Tuesday afternoon.
Assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas continued questioning jurors about their opinions of the death penalty. As new potential jurors entered the jury box, he went over similar questions with them as he previously did with other jurors, such as understanding of legal definitions, knowledge of certain evidence, such as cell phones, dogs and farm equipment, and opinions for or against the death penalty.
By the end of the day, about five jurors were dismissed. The jury has not been passed to the defense yet.
What is expected to happen tomorrow:
Anderson’s attorney Lisa Dubs suspects she will get a chance to question and possibly dismiss jurors by early Thursday morning.
The defense and state can dismiss up to 14 jurors.
It’s believed jury selection will last the remainder of the week, if not the entire month.

Day 2 - comes to an end

We saw seven people excused today. Five more remain in the jury pool. However, before recess today, Judge Cayer said 30 additional potential jurors will be brought in tomorrow. The questions will continue at 9:30 a.m. The day ended about half way through the jurors talking about their opinions on the death penalty. Two jurors were dismissed because they said their opinions were so strong they could not approve the death penalty for anyone, regardless of what they were instructed to do. The jury ended today with five women and seven men.
A part that bothered me a little was using the media coverage as a reason to be dismissed from duty, maybe because I’m part of the media, but I don’t have an opinion on this case. I’ve covered it from the beginning. I’ve heard facts, interviewed officers and attorneys and read court papers. I don’t have an opinion. I haven’t heard all the evidence. Then maybe I’ll have an opinion, but I will remain an unbiased journalist. I’ll report the news to you, for those who aren’t here.
Today’s session saw a couple of folks from Sawmills to show support for Jerry Anderson. I’m sure Emily’s supporters are here in spirit; although, not physically, yet. I’m sure more folks supporting both defendant and victim will be here once every thing really gets underway. That’s when I’ll be back. I’ll try to update daily until then. It’ll probably be in the evenings and check the Hickory Daily Record daily.

Day 2 - two more dismissed

I enjoy watching jury selection. I know that might sound strange and boring to some. But I enjoy watching people and learning about new people, if even they are strangers. But remember 12 of those strangers (or as the justice system calls them, peers) will determine Jerry Anderson’s guilt or innocence. I also like to thank of the answers I’d have to the questions. For example, Assistant DA Eric Bellas has asked about cell phones. I use mine a lot. Just look at my bill this month. And, no, I don’t have any family members that have been arrested for serious crimes (at least that I know of). You know – good water cooler or first date questions.
But I’m not on the panel. Never have been requested for jury duty. I do enjoy crime books. The latest one I read was Dreams of Ada. It was a true story. How that jury came up with its verdict, I’ll never know. If you haven’t read the book and enjoy true crime novels, pick it up. It’s a great story.
Anyway, asking the jurors questions does tease to upcoming evidence and testimonies. For example, Bellas eluded that he suspects there will be evidence about cell phone use, large farm equipment, trained K-9s and marriages and divorces. None of the current jurors have experience with search and rescue dogs. However, almost of them have dogs as pets. All 12 have cell phones. About three don’t use them daily. A certain juror had a problem with multiple divorces, but said he would try to set those feelings aside.
The jurors seem to be honest and attentive. You can tell some don’t want to be there and some have medical and work issues, but for the most part, they try to provide honest answers.
We’re about to get into the death penalty discussion. We’ll see how the afternoon goes. Two jurors were dismissed after lunch. Will anyone else go home today?
I will eventually, but I’ll post one more blog this afternoon.

Day 2 - lunch break

My bubble is busted. The assistant DA said in court this morning the stuff on CSI isn’t real! I love that show. I shouldn’t poke fun; although, I enjoying watching the Spike TV reruns, I realize the show isn’t always accurate. It was an important question for Bellas to ask. More than half of the potential jurors watch crime TV shows. Specifics ones jurors mentioned were: CSI, Cops, Forensic Files, Without a Trace, Cold Case and others. However, all raised their hands that they, too, know CSI, Law & Order, etc., aren’t how the real justice system works. It’s a good question. I’ve spoken with several lawyers and law enforcement officers who say people really think the court system works like CSI and Law & Order. It doesn’t.
Other questions asked this morning included media coverage and if that affects their opinion of the case. One lady was dismissed because of her knowledge of the case from media coverage. She was the second dismissal of the morning. A third person was dismissed a few minutes later.
As of now the jury is sitting at eight women and four men. All are white. The questioning will continue at 2. I’ll be back around 3:45.

Day 2 - jury selection

Day two is underway. We started the morning with the random selection of 12 jurors. The first pool included seven women and five men. One of the males is black. The rest of the jurors are white. Jerry Anderson appeared about the same. He looked at the jurors at the mention of his name. Otherwise he listens intently waiting in the balance.
Assistant DA Eric Bellas read the jurors a list of potential witnesses. He described it a few times like he was reading a telephone book. Close. He read approximately 245 names, more if you count duplicates. A few recognized the names. Some were common names and the jurors were thinking of other people. Most folks on the witness list were law enforcement officers, Sawmills residents, family of the Jerry and Emily and other names that I will learn in the coming weeks.
Bellas has been the sole speaker this morning, except for when certain potential jurors are called upon. He spoke of the law and common phases such as reasonable doubt, direct and circumstantial evidence and first-degree murder. He’s mentioned little specifics of the case.
The 12 men and women listen intently. Some avoid eye contact. Some questions that Bellas ask, the jurors raise their hands, such as do you understand this phrase or that phrase. Other questions, Bellas goes around each individual juror to ask specific questions.
It’s interesting, and it’s only going to get better. We’ll have to see if anyone officially gets sat for the trial by this afternoon. I’ll be back in a few hours.

Day 1 – is complete

Day 1 of the Jerry Anderson murder trial is complete. Judge Cayer recessed at 2:30 p.m. today as the motions came to an end. A total of 20 motions were discusses ranging from jurisdiction to evidence to the death penalty.
Dubs made a motion this afternoon asking for a separate hearing on the death penalty and if it is unconstitutional, arguing that it’s even a topic the North Carolina Supreme Court discussed recently.
The judge denied the motion.
So Jerry Anderson waits. He seems patient and nervous, as anyone would be. He cracks a few smiles every now and then. He has two rows of supporters behind him.
I’m sure we will see more folks from Sawmills and Emily Anderson’s family in Kentucky as the trial progresses. It could last a month. It could last much longer.
We start seeing tomorrow those that will decide Jerry’s innocence or guilt. Court reconvenes at 9:30 a.m.

Day 1 – lunch break

Motions continued between a brief mid-morning recess and lunch. The majority of the motions dealt with certain evidence being dismissed, such as testimony from cadaver dog handlers. Judge Cayer said he would make that decision at a brief hearing before the evidence is presented. The arguments would be made out of the presence of the jurors.
For some it may seem the motion part of the trial is boring, but it’s extremely important to both defense and prosecution. Both sides are trying to win their case and will do what it takes to try to get certain evidence excluded or included.
It’s also a lot of fun to watch both sides go back and forth. The attorneys are so smart. They cite cases that are 20 or more years old. These guys are smart and prepared. I’d say we are set for a great trial.
Jerry Anderson will remain in Gastonia during the duration of the trial. Today, the first day of the trial, with motions and jury discussion, about eight people showed up from the Sawmills community. They showed up to show support for Jerry Anderson.

Day 1 - motions

It's officially begun. A clean-shaved Jerry Anderson in slacks, a blue shirt and a nice tie was solemn in court Monday morning. He's on trial for his life. The state has charged him with the first-degree murder of his wife Emily Anderson.
Jury selection was supposed to begin today. Twenty-five jurors were given a questionnaire to fill out. The defense and prosecution will review those this afternoon and then jury selection will begin tomorrow.
So far this morning we've heard several motions in court. The most interesting one came from the defense. Anderson's Attorney Lisa Dubs asked for a hearing of jurisdiction, stating the state has not proved a crime actually occurred in North Carolina. The judge denied a hearing of jurisdiction. However, the honorable David S. Cayer said that did not mean the defense can raise the point at the close of state evidence.
Well, I am going to get back at it. I'll try to bring more around lunchtime.