deadmonton - the trial of michael white - october 30th, 2006
Liana White, 29, was stabbed to death July 12th, 2005.
Michael White, then 28, was charged with second-degree murder and offering an indignity to a dead body.
<< october 25th, 2006 | the michael white trial | november 2nd, 2006 >>
Jury selection for Michael White's second-degree murder trial began under the watch of Justice Mary Moreau of Court of Queen's Bench.
Prospective jurors were told they would be questioned over two days to determine if they had been affected by media publicity surrounding the case.
A jury pool numbering 215 had been selected for a special process called a "challenge for cause."
A publication ban prevented the reporting of what took place and what specific questions were asked.
White's previous defence lawyer, Larry Anderson, earlier said potential jurors would be asked what they have heard in the media about the case and whether they could act as impartial judges.
Throughout the process Michael White sat pale-faced in a suit and tie next to his pair of new defence lawyers, his elbows often resting on his knees in the prisoner's box.
Reporters described White as looking slimmer than he did when he was first charged in July 2005, his face now etched with dark circles under his eyes.
By the end of the first day nine jurors, four women and five men, had been chosen.
Justice Moreau excluded dozens of potential jurors for various reasons, including medical conditions and financial hardships.
One woman was allowed to leave because she had tickets for the Canadian Football League's November Grey Cup game in Winnipeg.
Another person was excluded for being related to former acting police chief Darryl da Costa.
In an adjoining courtroom, defence lawyer Laura Stevens questioned potential jurors about their exposure to pre-trial publicity.
Jury selection concluded with seven men and five women, plus two alternates, being tasked to decide the fate of Michael White.
The trial was scheduled to start November 2nd and last one month. Up to 60 witnesses were expected to testify.
The trial continued November 2nd, 2006