Freeborn County District Court finished jury selection for the murder trial of Paul Gutierrez Jr.

Saturday, February 23, 2002

Freeborn County District Court finished jury selection for the murder trial of Paul Gutierrez Jr. Friday.

12 jurors and two alternates were picked through one-by-one interviews with 43 prospective jurors. Ten of the 14 members selected are women.

In the four-day-long selection, 13 prospective jurors were dismissed by challenges for cause, which can be entered either by the defense or prosecutor when the interviewee’s impartiality or capability is questioned.

In addition, the defense excused another 13 by employing peremptory challenges that grant the right to strike unwanted potential jurors without giving a reason. The prosecutor exercised three peremptory challenges.

On Monday, the trial will start with opening statements by the defense attorney and the prosecutor.