Jury selection enters Friday for Cojocari stepfather Christopher Palmiter trial

CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Jury selection continued for a second day in the trial of a Cornelius stepfather, accused of not reporting his missing step-daughter, in a case that has gained international headlines.

Christopher Palmiter has been in court since the start of jury selection, which began Tuesday.  Attorneys for both the defense and prosecution have spent much of their time interviewing potential jurors.

The jury pool initially started at 54 people on Wednesday but had dwindled considerably Thursday morning after a number of people in that pool were excused.

Questions from the prosecution and defense have revolved around experiences with the law and any conflicts of interest involving work or personal life, along with making sure potential jurors have a proper understanding of the law.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Finding Madalina

Madalina Cojocari’s school bus driver, counselor testify in stepfather’s trial

Finding Madalina: Opening arguments began Friday in Christopher Palmiter trial

Jury selection enters Friday for Cojocari stepfather Christopher Palmiter trial

In the course of the questioning, both the prosecution and defense excused several potential jurors.  Several other members of the jury pool were also excused after initial questioning from the judge, primarily due to scheduling conflicts.

Filings from the prosecution also indicated their planned witness list, which includes three members of the Cornelius Police Department, two members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a counselor at Madalina’s school.

Defense questioning also included asking potential jurors about experiences with mental illness.

The judge indicated that once the trial, once a jury is seated, it should take around a week to complete.

Jury selection is expected to continue Friday.  The court will not be in session on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.