Jury Selection Slows Inmate Beating Trial
November 15, 2001
The trial of four Florida State Prison guards accused of beating an inmate to death in July of 1999 was recently delayed until at least January 2002 because of difficulties selecting an unbiased jury. Prosecutors are facing a challenging test in the small Florida community of Bradford County where it is estimated that the entire population is somehow associated with the state prison system. The prison is Bradford County's largest employer.
Finding jurors who are not biased has been difficult for prosecutors. 1,300 potential jurors have been summoned. Only four have been selected. Circuit Judge Larry Turner has decided to summon an additional 800 residents to try and fill the remaining eight spots, which include six reserve jurors.
Frank Valdes, 36, was found dead in his solitary confinement cell in 1999. Examinations revealed several broken ribs. Numerous boot marks were also noticeable on his body.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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