About UPI  |  UPI en Español   |   My Account
Free News Update:
United Press International - News. Analysis. Insight.™ - 100 Years of Journalistic Excellence
  • Home
  • Top News
  • Entertainment
  • Odd News
  • Sports
    • Baseball
    • Football
    • Golf
    • Olympics 2008
  • Business
  • Science
  • Health
  • Analysis
    • Energy Resources
    • Security Industry
    • Emerging Threats
  • Video
  • News Photos
Search:
Go
Advertise on UPI
You are here:  Home / Entertainment News / Jury seated for R. Kelly trial

Entertainment News

View archive | RSS Feed

Jury seated for R. Kelly trial

Published: May 16, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Order reprints  |  Print Story  |  Email to a Friend  |  Post a Comment
Jury seated for R. Kelly trial
R&B artist R. Kelly arrives at Cook County criminal court for the first day of jury selection in his child pornography trial in Chicago on May 9, 2008. Kelly is charged with allegedly having videotaped sex with a girl believed to be as young as 13 years old. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)
Related Stories
  • No new jurors picked in R. Kelly case
  • Three jurors chosen for R. Kelly trial
  • Judge denies motion to delay R.Kelly trial
  • Files to stay sealed in R. Kelly porn case
  • Witness to validate R. Kelly charges
CHICAGO, May 16 (UPI) -- Jury selection for R&B singer R. Kelly's long-delayed child pornography trial in Chicago was completed and opening statements are slated to begin next week.

The 12-member jury consists of eight white people and four black people. Four of the jurors are women, the Chicago Tribune said Friday.

The last four jurors, as well as four alternates, were chosen Thursday.

Kelly's attorneys accused prosecutors throughout the selection process of deliberately trying to prevent African-Americans from serving on the panel. The singer's lawyers also complained when Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan allowed a rape victim on the jury, the Chicago Sun-Times said.

When the prosecution moved to strike a black prospective juror from the pool because of his criminal record, defense attorney Sam Adam Sr. stood up and told the court, "They've used 50 percent of their challenges on African-Americans."

Gaughan countered by saying to Adam, "You haven't said anything about all the white males you've dismissed."

Assistant State's Attorney Shauna Boliker noted that all six of the defense's challenges were for white prospective jurors, The Sun-Times said.

Gaughan denied the defense's request to dismiss the rape victim, stating they looked directly at Kelly and sincerely promised him a fair trial.



© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
News Photos Slideshows
Photos of the Day
Week in Photos
News
Entertainment
Sports
Features
Olympics 2008
Most Popular
Stories
Photos
Videos
1.
Kate: New love scene with Leo was 'weird'
2.
Stars turn out for Isaac Hayes funeral
3.
Phil Collins divorce settlement at $45M
4.
Roseanne blasts Voight, Jolie's politics
5.
Judge ices media in R. Kelly porn case
2008 Olympics


Videos
Enlarge Video
"Bolt"-ing to the finish
Thursday, August 21
Pros and cons of passport cards
Pros and cons of passport cards
Wednesday, August 20
Canines help boost airport security
Canines help boost airport security
Wednesday, August 20
Household vampires
Household vampires
Wednesday, August 6
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Official Government Wires  |   About UPI  |   Site Map  |   Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy  |   Advertise Online  |   Contact Us

Sponsored Links: Auto Dealers - College Football Tickets - Fundraisers - Press Release Services - prom dresses - Prom dresses and gowns - Wedding and Honeymoon Experts - Motivational Sports Speakers Bureau - Real Estate Properties in the world