As former University student George Huguely's murder trial enters its third day, Commonwealth and defense attorneys have to reduce the 28 jurors they chose yesterday to the 15 people, including three alternates, who would decide whether Huguely is guilty of the first-degree murder of former University student and ex-girlfriend Yeardley Love.
Huguely, dressed in a blue blazer and tie, looked calm and alert, while Love's family sat intently watching the jury selection process for the murder trial, which has sent ripples through the community and the nation.
"One of our own allegedly taking the life of another of our own should never, ever happen," Student Council President Dan Morrison said. "It's a communal crisis to anyone who's ever been here or hoped to be here."
Judge Edward L. Hogshire chose the 28 jurors following input and questioning from the defense team and Commonwealth's Attorneys.
After one of the 28 potential jurors is dismissed today, each side will be permitted to cut six jurors, Hogshire, a University alumnus, said.
Hogshire said he was eager to move the case along, but the defense team and Commonwealth's Attorneys carefully questioned each potential juror. Questioning from both sides attempted to discover whether jurors had any exposure to media coverage, affiliations with the University or connections to other persons and events, which may in some way bias their judgment.
Most potential jurors had either heard about the event in passing or through television, radio, newspapers or Internet sources.
"It was in the air here in Charlottesville," a potential juror said.
Defense Attorney Rhonda Quagliana focused her questioning on connections to the University, potential bias from previous media exposure and potential bias because of a person's background or line of work.
Huguely has pled not guilty to six charges related to murder and robbery. It will be the responsibility of the 12-member jury chosen today to produce a verdict at the end of the trial.
Correction: A photo originally
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