Monday, October 9th 2017, 9:02 pm
The fourth murder trial for a former Tulsa police officer wrapped up its first day.
The retired officer, Shannon Kepler, admits to shooting Jeremy Lake, but claims it was in self defense.
Three juries have heard the case, but none could decide if Kepler was guilty on the most serious charge, so the case is back before Judge Sharon Holmes.
10/7/2017 Related Story: Issue Of Race Is Again A Focus In Ex-Cop's 4th Murder Trial
The jury pool was questioned Monday.
Before jurors were called, the defense asked the judge to limit the use of the term "victim" to describe Lake, arguing that's for the jury to decide.
Attorney Richard O'Carroll said Kepler "could just as easily say he's the victim."
The judge decided prosecutors could sparingly use the term victim.
Jurors will not hear that Kepler was convicted of reckless handling of a firearm, but will hear about several shots that nearly hit Kepler's daughter and Lake's brother.
The judge started questioning jurors about whether they know anyone connected to the case, whether they've heard about it or made a decision on the case.
The lawyers start questioning jurors tomorrow.
Each side will get three hours to question jurors and nine strikes to eliminate who they don't want hearing the case.
October 9th, 2017
September 29th, 2024
September 17th, 2024
December 11th, 2024
December 11th, 2024
December 11th, 2024