The ex-Brooklyn Heart police officer faces first- and second-degree manslaughter expenses for the April 2021 killing of 20-year-old Daunte Wright.
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — The primary day of jury choice within the trial of ex-Brooklyn Heart police officer Kim Potter is presently underway.
- Three jurors chosen Tuesday morning, two males and one girl
- 4 potential jurors dismissed for trigger by Choose Regina Chu
- Protection lawyer Paul Engh says Kim Potter is anticipated to testify in her personal protection
- State used its first of three strikes to eradicate one juror
Of the primary seven potential jurors interviewed Tuesday, three have been chosen for the jury and 4 have been dismissed.
Juror quantity 10, the primary individual to be questioned within the second batch of panelists Tuesday afternoon, candidly instructed the courtroom that he could be uncomfortable serving on the jury due to his spouse’s ongoing well being issues and concern for his security. In response to notes from a pool reporter within the courtroom, juror quantity 10 seemed to be Black and in his late 40s.
After a quick collection of questions from the protection, juror quantity 10 was dismissed by Choose Regina Chu.
When questioning potential juror quantity 9, each the protection and state doubled down on whether or not or not the panelist would be capable of put aside his biases heading into the trial.
When questioned by protection lawyer Paul Engh, the juror mentioned he didn’t perceive how a seasoned officer might mistake their Taser for a gun.
Throughout questioning by the state, the juror mentioned he had biases however believed he’d be capable of take heed to each side earlier than making a call. Choose Regina Chu dismissed the juror for trigger based mostly on the admittance of bias.
Potential juror quantity eight was a retired hearth captain who beforehand lived in Minneapolis. The juror mentioned he hadn’t paid a lot consideration to the case, however mentioned a number of instances he thought-about himself to be an open-minded one that would hear and take all proof into consideration.
The juror, who seemed to be a white man in his late 50s or early 60s based mostly on pool reporter notes, instructed protection lawyer Matthew Frank that regardless of the connection he had with law enforcement officials whereas working as a fireplace captain, he’d be able to placing apart any beforehand held opinions and be an neutral listener. Potential juror eight mentioned he had a great relationship with Minneapolis police whereas working as a fireplace captain and likewise instructed the courtroom {that a} member of the family is a police officer.
When requested about Black Lives Matter, the juror defined that he believes the group might do extra to assist curb inside metropolis gun violence, however mentioned he doesn’t suppose any specific group was chargeable for latest violence or unrest within the Twin Cities.
“I need to be honest,” the juror instructed the courtroom. Frank additionally requested if the juror could be involved about how a verdict could be obtained by law enforcement officials and firefighters. The juror mentioned he wasn’t involved concerning the response to a verdict. “Regardless of the jury decides goes to be honest. That is how I have a look at it. Honest and simply, that’s what we would like.”
The state initially mentioned they handed juror quantity eight, however after a aspect dialog used a peremptory strike to have the potential panelist dismissed.
Earlier than taking a recess for lunch, a 3rd juror was seated for the trial of Kim Potter.
Juror quantity seven, a 29-year-old man, is an operations supervisor for a retail firm.
The juror instructed Choose Regina Chu that he had seen the video of Daunte Wright being shot a number of instances, however is open to receiving new data and seeing issues “in a brand new mild.”
The juror instructed the courtroom that he underwent firearms coaching when he was between 12 and 14 years outdated, and owned a stun gun a number of years in the past whereas touring with a rock band, however presently doesn’t personal one.
The juror expressed he’s barely distrustful of law enforcement officials, however mentioned he would nonetheless contact the police if he wanted assist.
Protection lawyer Earl Grey requested panelist quantity seven if he’d be capable of presume Kim Potter’s innocence if chosen to function a juror, to which he answered “sure.”
Each the protection and prosecution handed by way of juror quantity seven.
Potential juror quantity six is a girl who instructed the courtroom she is a retired instructor. Notes from a pool reporter within the courtroom say the juror is aged and white, and could also be in her late 50s or early 60s. When requested individually by the choose, prosecution and protection, the juror reiterated that she would be capable of be an neutral juror and take the proof offered by each side into consideration. Nonetheless, she mentioned she’s involved about seeing graphic photos and movies in the course of the trial. The panelist additionally expressed anti-gun emotions.
Throughout his line of questioning, protection lawyer Paul Engh mentioned Kim Potter is anticipated to testify in her personal protection in the course of the trial, and requested the juror if she’d be keen to attend and listen to what Potter has to say. The potential juror mentioned she could be.
The protection accredited the juror.
Prosecutor for the state Matthew Frank mentioned the scope of the case will transcend the 12 seconds the place Potter shot Daunte Wright, which was captured on police physique digital camera video. Frank requested the juror if she’d give you the chance and keen to think about all proof offered within the case, together with Potter’s police officer coaching. She answered sure.
The protection additionally handed by way of panelist quantity six, making her the second juror to be seated for the trial.
Potential juror quantity 5, who seemed to be a white man in his late 40s based on notes from a pool reporter within the courtroom, mentioned that he has a optimistic view of Potter and damaging view of Wright.
The juror instructed Choose Chu that he’s conversant in the case after maintaining with media protection.
“I learn lots of details about what occurred and different issues that occurred previous to the incident earlier than being notified about this summons. I learn the information and I observe lots of what occurs and what is going on on,” he mentioned.
When requested by the choose if he might act as an neutral juror, he mentioned “I’ll do my greatest.”
The juror additionally instructed the courtroom that he’s a father and feels strongly about setting a great instance for his youngsters by doing his civic obligation. He expressed that he’s a “rule follower,” and would not really feel protected in Minneapolis. He instructed the prosecution he’s pissed off that some individuals aren’t held accountable for his or her crimes or actions, and believes the regulation is utilized in another way to totally different individuals. The protection handed, or accredited juror quantity 5.
Prosecutor Matthew Frank requested about a solution on his questionnaire the place the juror mentioned he considers Black Lives Matter to be a Marxist, communist group. The juror reiterated his perception within the courtroom, saying “that’s (BLM’s) main objective, is to transform this nation into that.”
After a prolonged dialog between prosecutors, the protection and Choose Chu, jury panel member quantity 5 was struck “for trigger.” Neither aspect has used a peremptory problem but.
Potential juror quantity 4, a girl who instructed the courtroom that she is a mom of three, mentioned in her questionnaire that she had a damaging impression of Kim Potter and a impartial opinion of Daunte Wright.
Whereas being questioned by Choose Chu, the juror, who seemed to be Asian and in her 20s based mostly on pool reporter notes, mentioned she used to dwell in Brooklyn Heart and was apprehensive about unrest within the space.
When requested by Choose Chu if she helps defunding the police, the juror mentioned she had no opinion. “I consider law enforcement officials must be held accountable for what they do on obligation,” the juror instructed the courtroom.
Protection lawyer Earl Grey requested the juror about certainly one of her questionnaire solutions, the place when requested if she wished to function a juror on this case, answered “it’s an attention-grabbing case and I might like to see how a police officer is convicted when committing a criminal offense on obligation, or has made a mistake with extreme penalties.”
When requested by Grey if that was nonetheless her reply, the juror mentioned sure.
After a prolonged sidebar convention panelist quantity 4 was excused from serving on the jury.
The primary potential juror, panelist quantity two, mentioned on his questionnaire that he seen each Kim Potter and Daunte Wright as “impartial.”
Protection attorneys questioned the potential juror first. The male panelist mentioned he had “mentioned” the Potter case with a few buddies in April after the taking pictures, and instructed the courtroom that he did not consider the felony justice system works equally for everybody.
Throughout questioning, the panelist revealed that he has a B.A. and Masters in English and works as an editor in neurology coping with medical proof. In response to notes from a pool reporter within the courtroom, the juror seemed to be a white man in his late 30s or early 40s.
When requested about his opinions towards police by state lawyer Matthew Frank, the panelist mentioned he would not agree with the message or strategy to defunding the police, however agreed he helps the work that good law enforcement officials do.
Following Frank’s questioning, panelist quantity two was seated for the trial.
Jury choice within the trial of former Brooklyn Heart police officer started shortly after 9 a.m., with Hennepin County District Courtroom Choose Regina Chu presiding.
Choose Chu learn descriptions of the costs in opposition to Potter, first and second-degree manslaughter, to the jury.
Chu additionally launched the protection and prosecution groups, in addition to members of the courtroom workers.
“Our sole goal and obligation is to make sure jurors who resolve this case are impartial, open minded and honest,” Chu instructed the panel of potential jurors whereas giving them preliminary directions.
The choose defined the jury choice (voir dire) course of, and the way they might be questioned in each a gaggle and particular person setting. She requested the panel quite a lot of questions, together with whether or not well being considerations or an lack of ability to presume Potter is harmless till confirmed responsible, would forestall them from serving on the jury.
“By displaying up right now and proving you might be keen to serve, you might be our heroes,” Chu instructed the panel of potential jurors. “Our felony justice system couldn’t work with out good residents such as you.”
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In April 2021, police have been making an attempt to take Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, into custody after pulling him over for expired tabs when Potter, who’s white, drew her gun and fatally shot him within the chest. The incident was captured on police physique cameras. Potter later claimed she meant to make use of her Taser as an alternative of her firearm.
Potter faces each first and second-degree manslaughter expenses in Wright’s loss of life. She was initially charged solely with second-degree manslaughter, which requires a discovering that she acted with “culpable negligence” in Wright’s loss of life.
Prosecutors later added a first-degree manslaughter rely in opposition to Potter, and on Oct. 27 Choose Regina Chu determined to permit the cost. You may learn extra concerning the case right here.
This trial will mark simply the second time the state has allowed cameras contained in the courtroom for the printed a felony trial. The primary was earlier this 12 months, for Chauvin’s homicide trial.
KARE 11 will dwell stream gavel-to-gavel protection on kare11.com, the KARE 11 app and KARE 11 YouTube web page.
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