Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 8, 2006 1:12:40 GMT -5
Some prospective jurors in the Deltona mass murder trial said during the second day of jury selection Thursday that while they believed in capital punishment, they would not vote for the death penalty.
"I believe in it but personally I really don't want to make a decision like that. I don't want to be responsible for it," said Constance Cotroneo, a candidate who was dismissed during the second day of jury selection.
More than half of the 41 potential jurors questioned Thursday had read or heard of the Deltona massacre. Despite the unexpected number of St. Johns County residents familiar with the mass murder on Aug. 6, 2004, attorneys were still optimistic opening statements may begin on Wednesday.
"I think we made good progress. We have 16 potential jurors," said David Smith, one of the lead prosecutors. "That is pretty good."
Thursday's 16 candidates will join 13 chosen on Wednesday for further questioning on Monday. A new group of potential jurors will report to the courthouse today.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Troy Victorino, 29, Michael Salas, 20, and Jerone Hunter, 20, in the mass murder at 3106 Telford Lane.
A 4th man, Robert Cannon, 20, pleaded guilty to his role in the massacre and will be sentenced to life in prison in exchange for his testimony against the others. Investigators said the men stormed the home and brutally beat to death Erin Belanger, 22; Michelle Ann Nathan, 19; Jonathan Gleason, 17; Francisco "Flaco" Ayo-Roman, 30; Roberto "Tito" Gonzalez, 28; and Anthony Vega, 34.
The death penalty proved to be a source of conflict for potential jurors. 2 women called for jury duty said they would not choose capital punishment because of their religious beliefs. A third woman said she believed in the death penalty, if the victims were children, but does not favor capital punishment when the victims are adults. And yet a fourth woman, Marnie Charest, said she does not believe in putting someone to death but also does not want taxpayers to pay to keep criminals in jail for life.
"I really have no position," Charest said.. "There should be
qualifications for being a juror when you have someone's life in your hands."
All 4 were dismissed from jury service.
During the 1st trial on April 13, prosecutors and defense attorneys petitioned Circuit Judge William A. Parsons to move the trial out of Volusia County to St. Johns County, saying the media blitz in Volusia County would make it difficult to find an impartial jury.
Defense attorneys are optimistic with the progress of jury selection.
When asked if he is satisfied with the jurors selected, Hunter's attorney Ed Mills said, "I don't think there is anything that causes me any heartburn."
(source: Daytona News-Journal)
"I believe in it but personally I really don't want to make a decision like that. I don't want to be responsible for it," said Constance Cotroneo, a candidate who was dismissed during the second day of jury selection.
More than half of the 41 potential jurors questioned Thursday had read or heard of the Deltona massacre. Despite the unexpected number of St. Johns County residents familiar with the mass murder on Aug. 6, 2004, attorneys were still optimistic opening statements may begin on Wednesday.
"I think we made good progress. We have 16 potential jurors," said David Smith, one of the lead prosecutors. "That is pretty good."
Thursday's 16 candidates will join 13 chosen on Wednesday for further questioning on Monday. A new group of potential jurors will report to the courthouse today.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Troy Victorino, 29, Michael Salas, 20, and Jerone Hunter, 20, in the mass murder at 3106 Telford Lane.
A 4th man, Robert Cannon, 20, pleaded guilty to his role in the massacre and will be sentenced to life in prison in exchange for his testimony against the others. Investigators said the men stormed the home and brutally beat to death Erin Belanger, 22; Michelle Ann Nathan, 19; Jonathan Gleason, 17; Francisco "Flaco" Ayo-Roman, 30; Roberto "Tito" Gonzalez, 28; and Anthony Vega, 34.
The death penalty proved to be a source of conflict for potential jurors. 2 women called for jury duty said they would not choose capital punishment because of their religious beliefs. A third woman said she believed in the death penalty, if the victims were children, but does not favor capital punishment when the victims are adults. And yet a fourth woman, Marnie Charest, said she does not believe in putting someone to death but also does not want taxpayers to pay to keep criminals in jail for life.
"I really have no position," Charest said.. "There should be
qualifications for being a juror when you have someone's life in your hands."
All 4 were dismissed from jury service.
During the 1st trial on April 13, prosecutors and defense attorneys petitioned Circuit Judge William A. Parsons to move the trial out of Volusia County to St. Johns County, saying the media blitz in Volusia County would make it difficult to find an impartial jury.
Defense attorneys are optimistic with the progress of jury selection.
When asked if he is satisfied with the jurors selected, Hunter's attorney Ed Mills said, "I don't think there is anything that causes me any heartburn."
(source: Daytona News-Journal)