JerseyGirl
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GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
- Thread starter Cryptic
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From the Jacksonville pool reporter in the courthouse today (she's one of NE FL/ SE GA regular court reporters):
(updated to fix my typical typos - oops)
A case attorney just told me that 64 is the magic number of potential jurors they need. He expects it will take 6-7 days to get there.
@FCN2go
https://twitter.com/schindy/status/1450903695965687809@FCN2go
(updated to fix my typical typos - oops)
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Ugh, this will be the challenge of trying to seat an impartial jury: small jury pool/small community + high visibility case + 3 defendants = prospective jurors more likely to know the victim or the defendants or to have formed an opinion from the media. Still, I understand why it's important for this community to try and serve justice locally, for their own sake in the process.
From our local NE FL /SE GA pool reporter:
"What constitutes a 'qualified juror' in this case would be a cause strike at any other trial I've attended. They are currently questioning a man who knows every person in the case except Travis -- including #AhmaudArbery, who played football with his son. @FCN2go"
https://twitter.com/schindy/status/1450905473121759233
From our local NE FL /SE GA pool reporter:
"What constitutes a 'qualified juror' in this case would be a cause strike at any other trial I've attended. They are currently questioning a man who knows every person in the case except Travis -- including #AhmaudArbery, who played football with his son. @FCN2go"
https://twitter.com/schindy/status/1450905473121759233
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Potential jurors in Ahmaud Arbery case asked: Is U.S. Confederate flag racist?
(Reuters) -Defense counsel in the trial of three white men accused of murdering Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia asked potential jurors on Monday whether they considered the Confederate battle flag a racist symbol.
Three out of the first group of 20 potential jurors raised their hands when asked the question during jury selection at Glynn County Superior Court in the small coastal city of Brunswick, where Arbery was shot dead on Feb. 23, 2020.
A potential juror who is a retired accountant and auditor, told the court she harbored a negative view of the Confederate flag, an image of which appeared in the old Georgia state flag that Travis McMichaels included on his truck's vanity license plate.
"If somebody's flying a Confederate flag, I don't think it means they believe in state's rights,” the woman said. "I think it means they have a racist view."
When potential jurors were asked about having a "negative feeling" towards Travis or Gregory McMichael, at least seven jurors raised their hands for each of the men.
(Reuters) -Defense counsel in the trial of three white men accused of murdering Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia asked potential jurors on Monday whether they considered the Confederate battle flag a racist symbol.
Three out of the first group of 20 potential jurors raised their hands when asked the question during jury selection at Glynn County Superior Court in the small coastal city of Brunswick, where Arbery was shot dead on Feb. 23, 2020.
A potential juror who is a retired accountant and auditor, told the court she harbored a negative view of the Confederate flag, an image of which appeared in the old Georgia state flag that Travis McMichaels included on his truck's vanity license plate.
"If somebody's flying a Confederate flag, I don't think it means they believe in state's rights,” the woman said. "I think it means they have a racist view."
When potential jurors were asked about having a "negative feeling" towards Travis or Gregory McMichael, at least seven jurors raised their hands for each of the men.
@MissVWaters
AhmaudArbery Judge got a note, asked to talk to lawyers. Says a woman's friend and coworker reached out to her after recognizing her from descriptions of jurors Tuesday. We can no longer release identifying details, he admonishes; if so, he'll restrict access even more
@wsbradio
AhmaudArbery Judge got a note, asked to talk to lawyers. Says a woman's friend and coworker reached out to her after recognizing her from descriptions of jurors Tuesday. We can no longer release identifying details, he admonishes; if so, he'll restrict access even more
@wsbradio
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Detailed notes from the local pool reporter covering the jury selection
(Editor's Note: The following are notes taken by the pool reporter assigned to the trial against Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan. First Coast News has removed some details to help protect the identities of potential jurors.)
Pool reporter notes from Day 2 in trial in death of Ahmaud Arbery | firstcoastnews.com
(Editor's Note: The following are notes taken by the pool reporter assigned to the trial against Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan. First Coast News has removed some details to help protect the identities of potential jurors.)
Pool reporter notes from Day 2 in trial in death of Ahmaud Arbery | firstcoastnews.com
Updates on the late-day voir dire
12 jurors STRUCK for cause, and SEVEN QUALIFIED today: 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168, 170. That's 15/64 total. See you Thursday!
Court begins again tomorrow at 8:30am.
The defense asked the jury pool who has negative opinions about Travis McMichael. Jurors 148, 152, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176 raised their numbers. Those with negative opinion about Gregory McMichael: 148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176. Those with negative opinions of William “Roddie” Bryan: 148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176.…
Asked if they had formed opinions to the guilt or innocence of the defendants, Jurors No. 146, 150, 152, 156, 161, 164, 167, 170, 172, 175, and 176 raised their hands.
Asked if there was prejudice or bias for or against the accused, Nos. 150 and 172 said yes. The Judge says he’s asking the question in reverse: Is your mind not perfectly impartial between the State and the accused? This time, Nos. 146, 150, 152, 156, 158 raised their cards.
LIVE UPDATES: Ahmaud Arbery shooting case
12 jurors STRUCK for cause, and SEVEN QUALIFIED today: 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168, 170. That's 15/64 total. See you Thursday!
Court begins again tomorrow at 8:30am.
The defense asked the jury pool who has negative opinions about Travis McMichael. Jurors 148, 152, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176 raised their numbers. Those with negative opinion about Gregory McMichael: 148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176. Those with negative opinions of William “Roddie” Bryan: 148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, and 176.…
Asked if they had formed opinions to the guilt or innocence of the defendants, Jurors No. 146, 150, 152, 156, 161, 164, 167, 170, 172, 175, and 176 raised their hands.
Asked if there was prejudice or bias for or against the accused, Nos. 150 and 172 said yes. The Judge says he’s asking the question in reverse: Is your mind not perfectly impartial between the State and the accused? This time, Nos. 146, 150, 152, 156, 158 raised their cards.
LIVE UPDATES: Ahmaud Arbery shooting case
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Sorry - but this is long.... wanted to get most info on here.
Thursday, October 21st:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 4) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 10/18/21-10/19/21 reference post #559 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/20/21 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 3: The website of Georgia's Glynn County Superior Court accidentally made suppressed evidence & documents accessible to potential jurors in the trial of Travis & Gregory McMichael & William "Roddie" Bryan. In order to avoid a potential mistrial due to bias, attorneys may have to ask jurors whether they saw suppressed evidence on the court website. Judge Walmsley opens by trying to reassure jurors the court understands their concerns about safety, explaining voir dire & swears them in. Nearly a dozen jurors (#150, 152, 156, 146, 161, 164, 167, 170, 172, 175 & 176) raise their hands to indicate they have formed or expressed an opinion about the case.
Five indicate their "mind is not perfectly impartial" between the state & the defense (#146, 150, 152, 156 & 158). Jurors #146 & 161 knew Arbery & jurors #164 & 172 know his father Marcus Arbery Sr. Juror #161 says he personally knows one of the defendants. Jurors #172 & 175 know Amy Elrod, William Roddie Bryan's fiancée.
Three jurors (#158, 170 & 172) say they know of defense attorney Kevin Gough. Several (#143, 146, 158, 161 & 167) know Chief Rod Ellis. Juror #150 indicates he knows current Brunswick DA Keith Higgins. Jurors #138 & 161 know former DA Jackie Johnson. Many know other potential jurors (#172, 164, 158, 138, 140, 146, 148 & 161). Several (#150, 143, 158, 176) served in the military or have prior law enforcement training or experience (#143, 158, & 167). A few (#139, 156, 164, & 170) have been victims of burglary or home invasion or know someone who has (#139, 153 & 175). When asked if anyone wants to serve on this jury, no one raises their hands. Two jurors (#156 & 148) raise their hands to indicate they are over 70 & don't wish to serve & several others indicate they have a hardship or conflict that may prevent them from serving. Several of the same jurors indicate to defense attorney Jason Sheffield that they have negative feeling about Travis McMichael (#148, 150, 152, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172 & 176), Greg McMichael (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, & 176) & Roddie Bryan (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172 & 176). None say they have participated in racial justice demonstrations. One juror voices a concern about being identified in the media. Sheffield & Walmsley reassure him jurors will remain anonymous. When Sheffield asks the group later if serving on the jury will cause a problem in their life, no one raises a hand. Several jurors (#156, 143, 146, 164, 167 & 172) indicate to Sheffield they support Black Lives Matter & a few say they feel POC are treated differently by the criminal justice system (#172 176, 148 & 150) or by police (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 176). None of the jurors say they feel the old Georgia State flag is a racist symbol. A few say psychiatrists can find mental illness in just about anybody (#140, 150, 152, 139 & 167). Sheffield notes for the record that the juror #138 (a black man) appeared to give a thumbs up & a nod to the Arbery family on his way out of the courtroom & then moves to strike the juror for cause. Judge agrees to strike him for cause because he was definite in his position on the video telling the whole story, believes the defendants were guilty & indicated he could not consider self-defense. uror 146 is struck for cause by consent because of answers to her questionnaire & in general voir dire. She is a white woman in her 30s or 40s. She told Gough she has young children & has "no idea" how she'll care for them if selected to serve. She went to school with Ahmaud Arbery but she did not know him well. Juror 148 is struck for cause by consent because he is over 70 & told prosecutors he does not want to serve. State also moved to strike Juror 156 because they are over 70 & said they do not wish to serve. Jason Sheffield (attorney for Travis) said 64 qualified jurors is the magic number.
See this article for more info on Day 3:
Pool reporter notes from Day 2 in trial in death of Ahmaud Arbery | firstcoastnews.com
Update on the late-day voir dire: 12 jurors struck for cause & seven qualified today: 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. Jury selection continues on Oct. 21, 2021.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Thursday, October 21st:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 4) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 10/18/21-10/19/21 reference post #559 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/20/21 Wednesday, Jury Selection Day 3: The website of Georgia's Glynn County Superior Court accidentally made suppressed evidence & documents accessible to potential jurors in the trial of Travis & Gregory McMichael & William "Roddie" Bryan. In order to avoid a potential mistrial due to bias, attorneys may have to ask jurors whether they saw suppressed evidence on the court website. Judge Walmsley opens by trying to reassure jurors the court understands their concerns about safety, explaining voir dire & swears them in. Nearly a dozen jurors (#150, 152, 156, 146, 161, 164, 167, 170, 172, 175 & 176) raise their hands to indicate they have formed or expressed an opinion about the case.
Five indicate their "mind is not perfectly impartial" between the state & the defense (#146, 150, 152, 156 & 158). Jurors #146 & 161 knew Arbery & jurors #164 & 172 know his father Marcus Arbery Sr. Juror #161 says he personally knows one of the defendants. Jurors #172 & 175 know Amy Elrod, William Roddie Bryan's fiancée.
Three jurors (#158, 170 & 172) say they know of defense attorney Kevin Gough. Several (#143, 146, 158, 161 & 167) know Chief Rod Ellis. Juror #150 indicates he knows current Brunswick DA Keith Higgins. Jurors #138 & 161 know former DA Jackie Johnson. Many know other potential jurors (#172, 164, 158, 138, 140, 146, 148 & 161). Several (#150, 143, 158, 176) served in the military or have prior law enforcement training or experience (#143, 158, & 167). A few (#139, 156, 164, & 170) have been victims of burglary or home invasion or know someone who has (#139, 153 & 175). When asked if anyone wants to serve on this jury, no one raises their hands. Two jurors (#156 & 148) raise their hands to indicate they are over 70 & don't wish to serve & several others indicate they have a hardship or conflict that may prevent them from serving. Several of the same jurors indicate to defense attorney Jason Sheffield that they have negative feeling about Travis McMichael (#148, 150, 152, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172 & 176), Greg McMichael (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172, & 176) & Roddie Bryan (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 170, 172 & 176). None say they have participated in racial justice demonstrations. One juror voices a concern about being identified in the media. Sheffield & Walmsley reassure him jurors will remain anonymous. When Sheffield asks the group later if serving on the jury will cause a problem in their life, no one raises a hand. Several jurors (#156, 143, 146, 164, 167 & 172) indicate to Sheffield they support Black Lives Matter & a few say they feel POC are treated differently by the criminal justice system (#172 176, 148 & 150) or by police (#148, 150, 156, 164, 167, 176). None of the jurors say they feel the old Georgia State flag is a racist symbol. A few say psychiatrists can find mental illness in just about anybody (#140, 150, 152, 139 & 167). Sheffield notes for the record that the juror #138 (a black man) appeared to give a thumbs up & a nod to the Arbery family on his way out of the courtroom & then moves to strike the juror for cause. Judge agrees to strike him for cause because he was definite in his position on the video telling the whole story, believes the defendants were guilty & indicated he could not consider self-defense. uror 146 is struck for cause by consent because of answers to her questionnaire & in general voir dire. She is a white woman in her 30s or 40s. She told Gough she has young children & has "no idea" how she'll care for them if selected to serve. She went to school with Ahmaud Arbery but she did not know him well. Juror 148 is struck for cause by consent because he is over 70 & told prosecutors he does not want to serve. State also moved to strike Juror 156 because they are over 70 & said they do not wish to serve. Jason Sheffield (attorney for Travis) said 64 qualified jurors is the magic number.
See this article for more info on Day 3:
Pool reporter notes from Day 2 in trial in death of Ahmaud Arbery | firstcoastnews.com
Update on the late-day voir dire: 12 jurors struck for cause & seven qualified today: 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. Jury selection continues on Oct. 21, 2021.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Very nice work @Niner . Thank you.
Cathy Russon
@cathyrusson
4h
#AhmaudArbery - Today is day 4 of jury selection. There are a total of FIFTEEN jurors qualifed. Need to get to 64 before they whittle down to the 12 plus 4 alternates.
@LawCrimeNetwork
@cathyrusson
27m
#AhmaudArbery - Defense brought to the judge's attn that Marcus Arbery (Ahmaud's dad) and members of the Transformative Justice Coalition were wearing pins that may or may not influence the jury. (Rep. Lewis quote about make good trouble & Rainbow Push Coalition logo) 1/2
#AhmaudArbery - The judge said he would instruct anyone entering the gallery that the courtroom is not a place to display a particular feeling or opinion. 2/2
@LawCrimeNetwork
@cathyrusson
4h
#AhmaudArbery - Today is day 4 of jury selection. There are a total of FIFTEEN jurors qualifed. Need to get to 64 before they whittle down to the 12 plus 4 alternates.
@LawCrimeNetwork
@cathyrusson
27m
#AhmaudArbery - Defense brought to the judge's attn that Marcus Arbery (Ahmaud's dad) and members of the Transformative Justice Coalition were wearing pins that may or may not influence the jury. (Rep. Lewis quote about make good trouble & Rainbow Push Coalition logo) 1/2
#AhmaudArbery - The judge said he would instruct anyone entering the gallery that the courtroom is not a place to display a particular feeling or opinion. 2/2
@LawCrimeNetwork
Cathy Russon
@cathyrusson
27m
#AhmaudArbery - EIGHT more jurors are qualified. That makes TWENTY THREE in total. They are looking for 64 qualified jurors to then whittle down to 12 plus 4 alternates. NO COURT FRIDAY. Jury selection resumes Mon. 8:30am ET.
@LawCrimeNetwork
@cathyrusson
27m
#AhmaudArbery - EIGHT more jurors are qualified. That makes TWENTY THREE in total. They are looking for 64 qualified jurors to then whittle down to 12 plus 4 alternates. NO COURT FRIDAY. Jury selection resumes Mon. 8:30am ET.
@LawCrimeNetwork
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Mistake made by county court could lead to mistrial in Ahmaud Arbery case
The Georgia county court where the three alleged murderers of Ahmaud Arbery are on trial mistakenly exposed potential jurors to suppressed evidence, including the 25-year-old black jogger's mental health history, which a judge banned from the trial.
The Georgia county court where the three alleged murderers of Ahmaud Arbery are on trial mistakenly exposed potential jurors to suppressed evidence, including the 25-year-old black jogger's mental health history, which a judge banned from the trial.
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No 'blank slate' jurors in county shaken by Arbery slaying
The judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned 71 pool members since jury selection began Monday. After dismissing those with personal hardships or unshakable biases, 23 were deemed qualified to advance. Dozens more will be needed before a final jury of 12 plus four alternates can be seated.
While questioning potential jurors, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski often told them the ideal juror would be a “blank slate.”
“We can’t get that because it’s been all over the place.”
The result has been a number of potential jurors kept in the pool despite coming to the courthouse already knowing a lot about what happened and the people involved. That's because they said they can decide the case fairly, based only on the trial evidence.
Georgia law allows someone to serve on a jury even if they come to court with an opinion about the case, as long as that person expresses a willingness to keep an open mind, said Donnie Dixon, a Savannah defense attorney and former federal prosecutor.
Jury pool member No. 218, a retail worker who identified herself in court as a Black woman, wrote on her juror questionnaire that "a young man was shot due to his color and the three men that committed the act almost got away.”
She said in court Thursday that she had taken part in a bike ride to raise money for Arbery's family after the shooting. And while telling attorneys she could be a fair juror, she also said that based on what she knows now: “I feel like they are guilty.”
Not everyone called to jury duty has been preoccupied by Arbery's killing. A self-employed woman said she refused to listen when her husband tried to discuss the case and said she goes “out of my way not to read news or politics.”
She remains in the jury pool.
Others have been disqualified for seeming too engaged. The judge dismissed a woman who said she believes she saw Arbery running near her home not long before he was killed. She described feeling emotionally connected to him, and followed pretrial court proceedings closely.
No. 236 was kept in the jury pool even though she's known Greg McMichael for 30 years. She still works a clerical job for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney. Though she and Greg McMichael were not close friends, she said the two had "always just been around each other.”
The woman said she also got a close look at Greg McMichael's personnel file because she was tasked with redacting private information from it after news organizations requested copies.
She told the judge and attorneys she did not have a strong opinion about the case. What little opinion she offered was not sympathetic.
“I don’t understand why they took it into their own hands," No. 236 said. "That’s the only thing that disturbs me about that day. I would have called 911 and let the police handle it.”
The judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned 71 pool members since jury selection began Monday. After dismissing those with personal hardships or unshakable biases, 23 were deemed qualified to advance. Dozens more will be needed before a final jury of 12 plus four alternates can be seated.
While questioning potential jurors, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski often told them the ideal juror would be a “blank slate.”
“We can’t get that because it’s been all over the place.”
The result has been a number of potential jurors kept in the pool despite coming to the courthouse already knowing a lot about what happened and the people involved. That's because they said they can decide the case fairly, based only on the trial evidence.
Georgia law allows someone to serve on a jury even if they come to court with an opinion about the case, as long as that person expresses a willingness to keep an open mind, said Donnie Dixon, a Savannah defense attorney and former federal prosecutor.
Jury pool member No. 218, a retail worker who identified herself in court as a Black woman, wrote on her juror questionnaire that "a young man was shot due to his color and the three men that committed the act almost got away.”
She said in court Thursday that she had taken part in a bike ride to raise money for Arbery's family after the shooting. And while telling attorneys she could be a fair juror, she also said that based on what she knows now: “I feel like they are guilty.”
Not everyone called to jury duty has been preoccupied by Arbery's killing. A self-employed woman said she refused to listen when her husband tried to discuss the case and said she goes “out of my way not to read news or politics.”
She remains in the jury pool.
Others have been disqualified for seeming too engaged. The judge dismissed a woman who said she believes she saw Arbery running near her home not long before he was killed. She described feeling emotionally connected to him, and followed pretrial court proceedings closely.
No. 236 was kept in the jury pool even though she's known Greg McMichael for 30 years. She still works a clerical job for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney. Though she and Greg McMichael were not close friends, she said the two had "always just been around each other.”
The woman said she also got a close look at Greg McMichael's personnel file because she was tasked with redacting private information from it after news organizations requested copies.
She told the judge and attorneys she did not have a strong opinion about the case. What little opinion she offered was not sympathetic.
“I don’t understand why they took it into their own hands," No. 236 said. "That’s the only thing that disturbs me about that day. I would have called 911 and let the police handle it.”
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Monday, October 25th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 5) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day. 10/19/21 Day 2: These 8 jurors still in the jury pool today: #s 39, 41, 44, 52, 62, 72, 76, & 79. 10/20/21 Day 3: Seven qualified today: #s 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. 10/21/21: Total 23/64.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-3) 10/18/21-10/20/21 reference post #568 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/21/21Thursday, Jury Selection Day 4: Defense brought to the judge's attention that Marcus Arbery (Ahmaud's dad) & members of the Transformative Justice Coalition were wearing pins that may or may not influence the jury. The judge said he would instruct anyone entering the gallery that the courtroom is not a place to display a particular feeling or opinion.
Eight more jurors are qualified. That makes 23 in total. They are looking for 64 qualified jurors to then whittle down to 12 plus 4 alternates. No court on Friday. Jury selection resumes Monday, 10/25/21 @ 8:30am.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 5) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day. 10/19/21 Day 2: These 8 jurors still in the jury pool today: #s 39, 41, 44, 52, 62, 72, 76, & 79. 10/20/21 Day 3: Seven qualified today: #s 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. 10/21/21: Total 23/64.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-3) 10/18/21-10/20/21 reference post #568 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/21/21Thursday, Jury Selection Day 4: Defense brought to the judge's attention that Marcus Arbery (Ahmaud's dad) & members of the Transformative Justice Coalition were wearing pins that may or may not influence the jury. The judge said he would instruct anyone entering the gallery that the courtroom is not a place to display a particular feeling or opinion.
Eight more jurors are qualified. That makes 23 in total. They are looking for 64 qualified jurors to then whittle down to 12 plus 4 alternates. No court on Friday. Jury selection resumes Monday, 10/25/21 @ 8:30am.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
@MissVWaters
Greg McMichael atty Laura Hogue asks to add more voir dire questions, including any opinions on how long it took for the defendants to be arrested, what they know about citizen's arrest, would they want someone with their life experience on their own jury.
The State was caught off-guard by the motion; says it can't formulate follow-ups if it doesn't know the content of the questions. Judge notes it's inappropriate to voice a motion like this without alerting other side first.
Laura Hogue points out one juror, asked about citizen's arrest, said, "It's when a citizen gets arrested." State says jurors don't need to be well-versed in law; the Court gives them appropriate law and tells them their duty is to apply it.
A couple of jurors with ties to #AhmaudArbery have been promptly excused from the jury pool. Juror #408 is second cousin to Ahmaud’s father, Marcus, Sr. Juror #411 had known Ahmaud for several months before his death, and considered him a close friend.
@wsbradio
Cathy Russon
@cathyrusson
1h
The three men charged with murder in the death of #AhmaudArbery are back in court today on day 5 of jury selection. We don't expect openings until next week, at the earliest, unless things move dramitically faster this week.
@LawCrimeNetwork
@cathyrusson
1h
The three men charged with murder in the death of #AhmaudArbery are back in court today on day 5 of jury selection. We don't expect openings until next week, at the earliest, unless things move dramitically faster this week.
@LawCrimeNetwork
8:02 pm: We are halfway there! Today, nine more people made it through to the jury pool in the Ahmaud Arbery shooting case: Jurors No. 380, 381, 383, 386, 395, 396, 402, 403, & 414.
Court resumes Tuesday.
LIVE UPDATES: Ahmaud Arbery shooting case
Court resumes Tuesday.
LIVE UPDATES: Ahmaud Arbery shooting case
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Tuesday, October 26th:
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 6) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day. 10/19/21 Day 2: These 8 jurors still in the jury pool today: #s 39, 41, 44, 52, 62, 72, 76, & 79. 10/20/21 Day 3: Seven qualified today: #s 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. 10/21/21: Total: 23/64. 10/25/21: Jurors #s 380, 381, 383, 386, 395, 396, 402, 403, & 414. Total now: 32/64.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-4) 10/18/21-10/21/21 reference post #575 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/25/21 Monday, Jury Selection Day 5: A couple of jurors with ties to Arbery have been promptly excused from the jury pool. Juror #408 is second cousin to Ahmaud’s father, Marcus, Sr. Juror #411 had known Ahmaud for several months before his death, and considered him a close friend. Today, 9 more people made it through to the jury pool: Jurors No. 380, 381, 383, 386, 395, 396, 402, 403, & 414. Total: 32/64. Jury selection resumes 10/26/21.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
*Trial continues with Jury Selection (Day 6) for all (@ 8:30am ET) - GA – Ahmaud Marquez Arbery (25) (Feb. 23, 2020, shot while jogging in Satilla Shores neighborhood, Brunswick) - *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) arrested (5/7/20) & charged (5/8/20) with felony murder & aggravated assault. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Bond denied (11/13/20).
*William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) arrested & charged (5/21/20) with felony murder & criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Indicted (6/24/20), charged & arraigned (7/17/20) with 1 count of malice murder, 4 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 count of false imprisonment & 1 count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 10/18/21 with jury selection. Jurors summoned for Superior Court on Monday, October 18th & Monday, October 25th: Monday, October 18th: Jurors with summons numbers: 1-67 are to appear at 8:15 am, 68-135 are to appear at 8:25am, 136-200 are to appear at 8:55am, 201-268 are to appear at 1:00pm, 269-335 are to appear at 1:15 pm, 336-400 are to appear at 1:30pm, 401-468 are to appear at 3:00pm, 469-535 are to appear at 3:15pm, & 536-600 are to appear at 3:30pm. 10/20/21: Judge originally had two panels of 20 scheduled for each day (AM & PM), now shifting to just one panel a day. 10/19/21 Day 2: These 8 jurors still in the jury pool today: #s 39, 41, 44, 52, 62, 72, 76, & 79. 10/20/21 Day 3: Seven qualified today: #s 140, 143, 158, 161, 167, 168 & 170. That's 15/64 total. 10/21/21: Total: 23/64. 10/25/21: Jurors #s 380, 381, 383, 386, 395, 396, 402, 403, & 414. Total now: 32/64.
Court info from 5/8/20 thru 10/17/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-4) 10/18/21-10/21/21 reference post #575 here:
GA - Ahmaud Arbery, 25, jogger, fatally shot by former LEO and son, Brunswick, Feb 2020 *Arrests* #3
10/25/21 Monday, Jury Selection Day 5: A couple of jurors with ties to Arbery have been promptly excused from the jury pool. Juror #408 is second cousin to Ahmaud’s father, Marcus, Sr. Juror #411 had known Ahmaud for several months before his death, and considered him a close friend. Today, 9 more people made it through to the jury pool: Jurors No. 380, 381, 383, 386, 395, 396, 402, 403, & 414. Total: 32/64. Jury selection resumes 10/26/21.
Federal charges: *Travis James McMichael (34/now 35) & *Gregory Johns McMichael (64/now 65) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime), 1 count of attempted kidnapping & 1 count of using, carrying & brandishing firearms during & in relation to a crime of violence & Travis: 1 count of discharging a firearm. Both plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22 @ 9a. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
Federal Charges: *William “Roddie” Roderick Bryan, Jr. (50/now 51) indicted (4/28/21) & charged (5/11/21) with Federal crimes of 1 count of interference with rights (hate crime) & 1 count of attempted kidnapping. Plead not guilty. No bond.
Trial set to begin on 2/7/22. Next motions hearing on 11/19/21.
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