Opening Statements in Roeder Trial Friday

Opening Statements in Roeder Trial Friday

A jury of eight men and six women will decide whether or not Scott Roeder is guilty in the shooting death of Dr. George Tiller.

The 12 jurors and two alternates were finalized late Thursday afternoon. The alternates will be randomly chosen at the end of the trial.

During Thursday's juror questioning, prosecutors asked if they understood the concept of "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." While defense attorneys asked if jurors understood the right to remain silent and that it's the job of the prosecutors to prove guilt.

Most of the answers were simple, yes or no.

At one point, prosecutors asked one juror "Do you agree people should be held responsible for their voluntary actions?"

The juror answered "I question that because I can see where I'd need to know the circumstances surrounding what happened."

Prosecutors also asked if jurors "Would you report any inappropriate contact or questions from the people around them?"

One juror said "half of my work's already walked up to me and asked which case are you on? I tell them I can't talk about it and walk away."

Eyewitness News will be in court for the trial, look for updates and live streaming video throughout the day here at www.kwch.com.