PONTIAC, Mich. – The murder trial of Tucker Cipriano and his alleged accomplice Mitchell Young continues with jury selection.
Cipriano is accused of using a baseball bat to beat his family members on April 16, 2012, in their home. He and Young are facing first-degree murder charges.
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Local 4 Defender Hank Winchester is inside the courtroom. The jury was selected about 4 p.m. Wednesday. The breakdown is below.
10:15 a.m.
Tucker Cipriano was led into court in handcuffs and today showing off a new and very polished look. Cipriano is wearing a black suit, white shirt and cufflinks. His attorney helped him tie his tie. His handcuffs were removed and the 2nd day of jury selection is underway this Wednesday morning.
Cipriano again holds a small bible and today he is also taking notes as potential jurors are being questioned. Today, attorneys have asked the first few potential jurors if they have heard about the battle between Greg Cipriano and Jessica Cooper. They're working to determine if these jurors will be able to block out what they have heard and make a decision only based on evidence presented.
10:40 a.m.
Potential juror begins crying saying she's not sure she can handle the testimony. She is worried this will be too emotional but she says she had heard very little about the case. She's now unable to speak overcome with tears as she tries to explain to the judge that it may just be too difficult for her to look at the graphic evidence. The judge is very understanding and the decision was made to excuse this potential juror.
11:15 a.m.
Judge taking break until afternoon session. 51 potential jurors still to be questioned. 29 have been dismissed.
Jury selection will resume at 1 p.m.
4 p.m.
The jury has been selected. Here is the breakdown:
7 white women
1 black woman
5 white men
1 black man
Two of those 14 will be alternates.
A second jury will be chosen to hear the case for Tucker Cipriano's co-defendant, Mitchell Young. That jury selection process will begin Thursday morning.
Prosecutor: Tucker Cipriano, Young will get no plea deal