Juror selection begins in Drew Peterson murder trial

By Steve Schmadeke

TRIBUNE REPORTER
August 16, 2009

Some 240 potential jurors in the Drew Peterson murder trial were brought into Will County court Friday, asked to fill out questionnaires and ordered by the judge not to view any media reports about the case.

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Joel Brodsky, one of Peterson's attorneys, called the move "highly unusual" in that no trial date has been set and the judge has not ruled on a defense motion to move the trial because of intense publicity.

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Circuit Judge Stephen White said he was working under the assumption that the trial will be held in Will County and will rule on the issue Oct. 2. He had jurors complete a 10-page, 33-question questionnaire that asked about their news consumption and family background. Jurors were also asked if they knew anyone on a list of 493 people whose names may be mentioned at trial.

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Police officers or investigators make up as much as a fifth of the list, Peterson attorney Reem Odeh said in court.The judge introduced the jurors to Peterson, who -- dressed in a gray suit and tie, wearing white socks with dark shoes (it's hilarious to me that it is reported about his white socks with dark shoes every time he goes to court)-- stood and said: "Good day, folks, good day."

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A handful of the potential jurors smiled when White informed them of the case they may be hearing. Peterson's attorney continues to attempt to have the trial moved to another venue...

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