Over half of potential Kilpatrick jurors have been eliminated - Fox 2 News Headlines

Over half of potential Kilpatrick jurors have been eliminated

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Kwame Kilpatrick outside of federal court on Tuesday.  (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com) Kwame Kilpatrick outside of federal court on Tuesday. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
DETROIT (WJBK) -

A rather studious looking Kwame Kilpatrick returned to federal court Tuesday to help eliminate people who he believes will not make good jurors.

477 potential jurors filled out questionnaires.  More than half were eliminated before Tuesday's hearing began.

U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds eliminated another nine primarily because of their answers to two questions -- "Have you ever expressed an opinion as to the defendants' guilt or innocence?" and "What is your opinion, if any, of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick?"  One potential juror was eliminated when he said, "I believe that the mayor started the downfall of the city."

Kilpatrick said last week he doesn't believe he can get a fair trial in Detroit.

"I don't think I can.  I never thought I could.  I think the people here have heard from (the news media) far more than they could ever hear from me.  I believe that this place is too emotionally charged and bias.  I believe that any potential juror cannot go in front and be honest with themselves and say that they don't have an opinion about Kwame Kilpatrick.  You can't do it and that opinion not be strong."

After Tuesday's hearing, Kilpatrick attorney Jim Thomas distanced himself from Kilpatrick's comments.

"Mr. Kilpatrick talked a lot last week about not being able to get a fair trial in Detroit ... yet we haven't heard anything about a change of venue?  What's your feeling about that?" he was asked.

"I have no feelings about that.  Those comments were made extemporaneously.  I don't think it has to do with a legal question of venue, and so it really doesn't warrant a comment."

Thomas declined to say whether he would ask the judge to move the trial.

"I am reserving whatever rights I have for my client and we'll assert them at the appropriate time, as you know."

There are still more than 200 potential jurors left, but if Thomas plans on moving this trial, he's going to have to ask soon because it is scheduled to start in two weeks.

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