COUPEVILLE — A panel of 40 jurors will return to the Island County courthouse today as Clallam County attorneys whittle the pool down to a 12-person jury for Thomas Martin Roberts’ upcoming murder trial.
The panel will appear before Clallam County Superior Court Judge George L. Wood for voir dire — when prosecutors and defense attorneys ask the group questions, observe their dynamics and opinions, and strike those they believe will not be open-minded or impartial on a jury.
Twelve jurors and five alternates from Island County will travel to Port Angeles beginning Oct. 21 for the trial of Roberts, charged with first-degree aggravated murder in the Aug. 5, 2000, shooting death of Clallam County sheriff’s deputy Wally Davis.
Roberts, 55, has pleaded innocent by reason of insanity and has been incarcerated since his arrest following a 25-hour standoff at his home after Davis’ death.
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