Day One Complete

Day One of jury selection is complete.

-Of the roughly 200 Oneida Co. residents who appeared for jury duty after receiving a summons, 121 remain viable for consideration as one of the 12 jurors or 4 alternates.

-The process continues Tuesday when many of the potential jurors will be questioned directly by Judge Michael Dwyer, prosecutors Kurt Hameline & Paul Hernon, and defense attorney Rebecca Wittman. Many would-be jurors will be excused from this process once the attorneys review a questionnaire each was required to complete before leaving today.

-Attorneys will use Tuesday & Wednesday to make their final determinations on jurors.

-In the meantime, the potential jurors are being asked not to comment, even to family members, about the case for which they may eventually become a juror. Judge Dwyer indicated concern that those close to the would-be jurors would be unable to resist giving their own opinion about the case.

Day One - Wrapping Up

After talking with Andy Jenks, he tells us the second half of jury selection is in the midst of wrapping up. 56 potential jurors were chosen to return tomorrow.

In an earlier session, 65 potential jurors were chosen, so a rough estimate of 120 people have been asked to return to the Oneida County Courthouse tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.

These potential jurors will then be questioned by Judge Dwyer, the defense, and prosecution until 12 jurors and 4 alternates remain.

Day One - Midway Point

We're halfway through what's expected to be a longer than usual jury selection process. Additional highlights from Day One:

-Cameras (still or video) are not expected to be allowed inside the courtroom except on the days of opening/closing statements, and the day the verdict is read. Attorneys have also indicated that they will not be making public comments outside of court until the trial is over.

-The Corr family is not expected to attend the proceedings until Thursday, when opening statements are given.

-John Healy, the defendant, is not shackled in the presence of potential jurors. He is wearing a white dress shirt with gray and blue pinstripes. Much different than the orange OCJ attire we've seen in past court appearances.

-Jury selection is taking place in the large ceremonial courtroom on the 5th floor of the Oneida Co. Courthouse. The trial will be moved to Judge Michael Dwyer's smaller courtroom for opening statements on Thursday. A closed-circuit video feed will be available in the ceremonial courtroom to accommodate the expected large crowd.

-Judge Dwyer spoke of jury service as the second most important civic duty there is after military service.

-Judge Dwyer asked the first pool of potential jurors to give him an "absolute guarantee" that they will be able to disregard prior news coverage or discussion relating to the robbery/homicide in order to render a fair and impartial verdict.

-65 potential jurors remain after round one. A separate group of 100 more will receive their instructions this afternoon. The judge and attorneys will not ask them individual questions until Tuesday morning.

UPDATE: More Jurors Excused

NEWSChannel 2's Andy Jenks reports 20 more potential jurors were excused just before noon. That brings the total to 35 out of the initial 100 who showed up this morning for jury selection. Another 100 will arrive this afternoon to begin the process. Check back for updates throughout the afternoon.

Some Potential Jurors Excused, More to Arrive This Afternoon

15 potential jurors have already been excused from the John Healy Trial. Judge Michael Dwyer let them go because personal, travel, medical and job conflicts. Some were also excused because of racial prejudice. 85 jurors from this morning's session remain. Judge Dwyer spent a good deal of time explaining what will happen and giving them instructions. Here are some of the highlights:

--Judge Dwyer told them the trial will last until January 22nd or 23rd.

--He said is a serious case involving murder but the death penalty is not an option.

--He asked the potential jurors for a guarantee that they can erase any prior news coverage of the case so they can do their job in a fair way.

--Judge Dwyer also advised the panel members of the Corr family and the New Hartford Police Department will be seated in the front row for the duration of the trial. He said they will have a difficult time hearing some of the testimony. The Judge said the jury won't be doing them any favors by letting those emotions impact their decision.

John Healy is in the courtroom for the jury selection process. He is seated with his defense attorney and is being guarded by several officers.

Another 100 potential jurors are expected to arrive this afternoon. They will be given the same instructions by the Judge.

Judge Dwyer does not expect the lawyers to begin questioning the potential jurors until tomorrow. Today will be reserved for instructions and excusing potential jurors because of conflicts.

Over 100 Jurors Arrive at Courthouse

NEWSChannel 2's Andy Jenks reports over 100 potential jurors have gathered at the Oneida County Courthouse for the John Healy trial. They are gathered in the Ceremonial Courtroom right now and are receiving initial instructions from the Commissioner of Jurors. The screening process has not started yet. The selection of a 12 person jury and some alternates could take three days. Opening arguments won't begin until Thursday. Andy will have a live report on NEWSChannel 2 at Noon.

Jury Selection Begins Today

Jury selection in the John Healy Murder Trial will begin this morning in Oneida County Court. Both sides expect the process to take some time. The defense and prosecution are planning on three days on jury selection which means opening statements won't begin until Thursday.

NEWSChannel 2 will have updates on our website WKTV.com as well as here on our special blog for the trial. We invite you to check back through out the day as we track jury selection.