CHICAGO — Another 24 potential jurors were questioned Tuesday during the first phase of jury selection for R. Kelly’s Chicago federal trial, and the selection process is expected to finish Tuesday afternoon.
Eleven prospective jurors questioned Tuesday were excused, including a woman who appeared to nearly faint as she was answering questions. The judge also dismissed a man who had been questioned Monday, bringing the total number of jurors who made it past the first round of cuts to 45.
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber said that questioning would resume after a lunch break. After the initial dismissals for “cause,” prosecutors and attorneys for all three defendants can strike jurors without needing to state a reason. In addition to the 12 regular jurors, the judge has said he wants to empanel six alternates.
