Community Corner

Jury Selection Continues Tuesday in Norwood Trial

Judge: Slow-moving process requires a "good deal of time and consideration."

The jury selection process for the murder trial of Brittany Norwood, the woman Jayna Murray at Bethesda's Lululemon shop in March, will continue Tuesday.

It's not clear how long the process will last, but opening statements will not begin until 12 jurors and five alternates have been selected.

WTOP is reporting that multiple weapons were used to kill Murray, citing prosecutors. Murray's body was discovered with injuries from a knife, a hammer, and a metal stand from inside the store, along with a rope around her neck, according to WTOP. As many as eight weapons may have been used against Murray, and prosecutors want to show photos of Murray's body during opening statements, The Gazette reported.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Monday, a pool of 300 potential jurors was divided into two groups of about 150. The first group of men and women were asked a series of questions by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert Greenberg, who is presiding over the trial, aimed to determine their ability to weigh evidence impartially.

Those questions included whether any of the potential jurors had read or heard about the high-profile case, of which only 18 of 149 said they had not. Thirty-nine said they had already formed an opinion about Norwood's guilt or innocence.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The potential jurors were informed that graphic photos would be included in the trial and were asked if that could affect their ability to judge the case. They were also asked whether they would be unable to judge the case based on the law and evidence, "without regard to sympathy, pity, passion or other emotions."

The potential jurors only responded to Greenberg if their answer to a question was in the affirmative. They were later interviewed individually in private chambers in more detail about their responses.

Individual interviews were not completed Monday afternoon for the first group, and the majority was instructed to return Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m. The second group, which has not yet been interviewed, was instructed to return Tuesday at noon.

Greenberg aknowledged the process is grinding along slowly, but said the process "requires a good deal of time and consideration."

Stay tuned to Patch for updates from Montgomery County Circuit Court as the jury selection process continues today.


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