Jury selection is set to resume Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Pima County Superior Court in the first-degree murder trial of Shawna Forde.
Forde, 43, is one of three defendants facing two counts of first degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of Flores and his daughter, Brisenia, 9.
Forde also faces charges of one count of attempted first-degree murder; one count of burglary in the first-degree; one count of aggravated assault, serious physical injury; one count of aggravated assault, deadly weapon/dangerous instrument; one count of armed robbery; and one count of aggravated armed robbery.
A total of 225 prospective jurors filled out questionnaires on Jan. 5. As a result of the questionnaire, 122 jurors were excused based upon their answers. Jury selection had been scheduled to resume on Jan. 11, however, a combination of a family emergency for one of the defense counsel and the killing of six people and wounding of 13 others including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D, Ariz., prompted Judge John S. Leonardo to granted a postponement in jury selection.
When jurors and the parties in the case reassemble on Jan. 19 there may be only 98 jurors left for jury selection as five additional jurors were excused.
It’s anticipated that jury selection will take until at least Friday. Opening statements could take place late Friday or on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
© David S. Ricker, all rights reserved.
