WE HAVE A DATE Breaking SAN DIEGO -- Opening statements in the David Westerfield murder trial are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Dept. 40 of the downtown courthouse in San Diego.
WESTERFIELD TRIAL
A jury of six men and six women was empanelled Thursday afternoon, and the process of selecting six alternates is continuing at this hour.
More than 30 prospective jurors returned to Judge William Mudd's courtroom Thursday afternoon as attorneys tried to select the 12 jurors and six alternates.
Once again, prosecutors and defense attorneys focused their queries on the death penalty.
"This is the most important part of the case ... it's true," defense attorney Steven Feldman told the first potential juror of the morning. "This is going to be an extraordinary life experience."
Westerfield, a 50-year-old Sabre Springs resident, is accused of kidnapping and killing neighbor Danielle van Dam and dumping the 7-year-old's body in East County.
Before jury selection began, Mudd ruled that jurors will hear only limited information on the "swinging" lifestyle of the victim's parents.
The jury also will be allowed to view certain pornographic images that investigators say they found on Westerfield's computer, and they will hear statements he made to police the day he became a suspect, the judge ruled.
On that topic, a prospective female juror said, "I think anybody who has that kind of stuff in their home is a sick person."
Prosecutors contend the computer images prove Westerfield's motive was to sexually molest the victim after he allegedly took her from her home the night of Feb. 1.
The victim's blood, hair and fingerprints were found in Westerfield's motor home, prosecutors said.
Westerfield, under police surveillance beginning Feb. 4, was arrested Feb. 22. He has insisted on a "speedy" trial as the law guarantees -- one within 60 days of his Superior Court arraignment.
Six Men, Six Women Will Serve On Panel
POSTED: 2:26 p.m. PDT May 30, 2002
UPDATED: 2:34 p.m. PDT May 30, 2002
SAN DIEGO -- After three days of questioning, lawyers have agreed on a jury of six men and six women to serve during the trial of the man accused of killing Danielle van Dam.
Prosecutors and lawyers for defendant David Westerfield agreed on a panel in less than half the time it normally takes to seat a jury in a death penalty case.
Westerfield, a 50-year-old Sabre Springs resident, is accused of kidnapping and killing neighbor Danielle and dumping the 7-year-old's body in the East County.
Lawyers must still select six alternate jurors before the trial can begin. But Judge William Mudd still hopes that can be done in time to start the trial on Monday
Thank you jaded...I can hardly wait. :)
Thanks for the ping. So here we go, huh? I think this will be more interesting than OJ.
At least with that, most of us probably knew he was guilty and the defense was somewhat of a joke. This one is very different and I expect some intriguing testimony and presentations by both the prosecution and the defense.
Buckle up !!!!!!!!
Thank you Jaded for adding me to your list....ping list,that is...;))
Thanks FresnoDA, you have done a super job keeping everyone up to date. Great news,a jury chosen.