Jury selection in Nicholas Sheley's Whiteside County murder trial is underway. On Monday, twenty potential jurors were questioned and four jurors were chosen.
The first juror chosen is an elderly female. Judge Meersman called her the perfect juror, although the defense had some reservations on her ability to follow legal terminology.
A young mom was chosen next. She told the court she has heard about the case in the media but she can be fair and impartial. At one point she got emotional, telling the defense she was just nervous.
The 7th potential juror to be questioned was also chosen, he is the first man to be selected. He told the court he has worked closely with law enforcement in the past. The defense was worried about that and attempted to challenge this selection. The judge dismissed the challenge and the defense did not choose to use a peremptory strike.
Potential juror number 12 was also selected, another man. He works in agriculture and admittedly doesn't know much about the case. Both the prosecution and defense agreed on this selection.
Most of the people who were excused from jury duty were excused because of opinions and beliefs they already hold regarding Nicholas Sheley and the case. Many potential jurors walked into the courtroom with their minds made up, telling the court they could not be fair and impartial.
The prosecution took issue with one man in specific who grew up with Nicholas Sheley. The potential juror told the court he's have a hard time believing Sheley committed murder.
Monday wasn't all about the jury, though. There's also an issue about Nicholas Sheley's mental state. He usually takes medication for depression, anxiety and insomnia. But he's not currently on any medication and he'll need to get a prescription this week.
The concern is, his symptoms will get in the way of him assisting in his own defense. It's something that Judge Meersman plans to keep an eye on.
