5 jurors named in Cosby sex assault case
PITTSBURGH — Onethird of the potential jurors questioned in Bill Cosby’s sex assault case Monday said they’ve formed opinions about his guilt or innocence while the majority said it would be difficult to spend several weeks sequestered across the state.
And 35 of the 100 people questioned said they or a family member or close friend has been the victim of a sexual assault.
Three men and two women have been chosen to serve on the sequestered jury that will the case. Two of the men say they or someone close to them has been a sexual assault victim, but both say they can be fair. All of the jurors selected so far are white in a case that Cosby believes may have racial overtones.
Jury selection will resume Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The trial will start June 5 near Philadelphia. A panel of 12 jurors and alternates is needed.
The case against the once wildly popular actor-comedian has attracted worldwide publicity that the judge hopes to shield from jurors during the trial.
The initial questioning Monday suggested it may take some time to find an unbiased jury.
“No one should make an effort to be on this jury, and no one should make an effort to not be on this jury,” Judge Steven O’Neill told the group. six
Sixty-seven people said it would be a hardship to spend up to three weeks sequestered near Philadelphia next month.
Cosby entered the courtroom in Pittsburgh on the arm of an aide, using a cane and carrying a box of tissues. He showed little emotion sitting beside three of his lawyers at the defense table.
Lead lawyer Brian McMonagle had earlier said he hoped an unbiased jury could be found fairly quickly this week.