UPDATE (2 PM) -- 21 potential jurors have been released for cause. One juror with a medical condition said the temperature in the courtroom is too cold and could cause him to become ill.
Now each potential juror is being questioned individually on what they know about this murder case and if they have any preconceived notions.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
21 potential jurors have been released for cause.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
One juror with a medical condition said the temperature in the courtroom is too cold and could cause him to become ill.
Judge Kyle says this trial might take 5 weeks or maybe a little more and asked the potential jurors who would find it difficult to serve on a trial of this length.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
So far 26 potential jurors have said it would be difficult for them.
#MarkSieversTrial: Jury selection is starting, 50 potential jurors are entering the courtroom.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
Side note: Mark Sievers came out earlier today in his red prison jumpsuit, now he's wearing a suit.
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UPDATE (9 AM) -- The State begins by saying they have some witness issues regarding one of the days of testimonies, but besides that, they are ready to go. Defense says they are ready. Jury selection will begin once Judge Kyle gets through the other cases.
Jury selection will begin with potential jurors being asked if they can sit through a lengthy trial. The Rodgers trial took roughly 4 weeks, Mark Sievers trial is expected to last longer.
Judge Kyle has called for a brief recess while prosecution and defense prepare to begin jury selection for Mark Siever trial.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
50 potential jurors are set to begin with initial questioning.
Mom of the victim said she held her son as he bled out, and the father of the victim said he misses his son but has forgiven Charles.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
Jury selection will begin with potential jurors being asked if they can sit through a lengthy trial.
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
The Rodgers trial took roughly 4 weeks, Mark Sievers trial is expected to last longer.
Mark Sievers is coming out now. pic.twitter.com/B8mDErEBdW
— Sandra Rodriguez (@SandraR_media) November 12, 2019
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FORT MYERS, Fla. – The jury selection process is getting under way Tuesday in the trial of Mark Sievers.
Investigators say he hired Jimmy Rodgers and Curtis Wright to kill his wife, Dr. Teresa Sievers, for life insurance money, totaling nearly $4.5 million.
Jury selection will likely be even tougher and longer than it was in the trial of his alleged accomplice, Jimmy Rodgers, who has already been convicted in this murder.
Curtis Wright has accepted a plea deal in the case in exchange for cooperation with prosecutors.
This case has gotten extensive media coverage, especially because of Rodgers’ trial last month. And it took 4 days to seat a jury in that case.
So what's expected for jury selection? We asked attorney Mike Chionopolous.
He says the judge goes first, then the prosecution, then the defense. Each gets to strike six potential jurors for any reason at all, but get unlimited strikes "for cause" -- or credible reasons -- like bias, for example.
He imagines this will be the major focus for Tuesday, especially for the defense, as they try to weed out any people who've followed the coverage.
Stick with Fox 4 for extensive coverage of this trial, including live streams from the courtroom once the trial gets under way.
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Remembering murdered Bonita Springs doctor Teresa Sievers
Jury finds Jimmy Rodgers guilty of 2nd Degree Murder
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Rodgers' guilty verdict could impact Mark Sievers trial
Sievers children caught in the middle of a murder trial
Neighborhood was on edge in eight months before arrest of Mark Sievers
Sievers murder: New audio and video released
Curtis Wright takes the stand in trial of alleged accomplice Jimmy Rodgers
