Crime and Courts

Jury selection continues in rape case for former University of Montana quarterback

Posted: Feb 8, 2013 12:48 PM by MTN News
Updated: Feb 8, 2013 1:08 PM

MISSOULA - The prosecution and defense in the rape trial of suspended University of Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson have begun quizzing perspective jurors.

Around 180 of the original jury pool of 400 were told to show up Friday morning at the Holiday Inn in downtown Missoula, where the jury selection is being held due to a lack of space at the Missoula County Courthouse.

Many jurors were excused on Friday morning for a variety of reasons, including sickness and class loads at the University of Montana. Some were also released from duty after telling Judge Karen Townsend that they were too familiar with the case.

Shortly before breaking for lunch, the prosecution began asking jurors questions ranging from their feelings on rape, sexual assault and consent, as well as any biases they may bring to the case.

The jury selection process is expected to last through Friday afternoon with Judge Townsend saying the actual trial, which will be moved back to courthouse, should last about 11 days.

We are continuing to track this case and you can follow our coverage on Twitter by using #johnsontrial.

- information from Irina Cates included in this report.