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Adamcik jury selection
TWIN FALLS - Jury selection for the trial of accused teen murderer Torey Adamcik continues in Twin Falls County today.
Roughly 15 percent of the 240 prospective jurors from the Magic Valley area were excused last Wednesday during a nearly day-long hearing in Pocatello before Sixth District Judge Peter D. McDermott. Though the prospective jurors didn't appear in person at the local hearing, attorneys based their motions on comprehensive questionaires the candidates filled out earlier this month. The judge excused 36 of the jurors with cause last week based on motions from Adamcik's attorney, Bron Rammell, of Dial, May & Rammell in Pocatello. About half of the remaining 204 prospective jurors will be summoned to the Twin Falls County Courthouse today.
Once 38 jurors are found who are acceptable to both sides, prosecuting and defense attorneys will have the right to excuse 12 prospective jurors without cause, known as peremptory challenges. Idaho statute allows for a minimum of six peremptory challenges in selecting a jury, but a judge is allowed to expand that number and often will for high-profile cases.
Once each side has completed its peremptory challenges, the remaining 14 people will comprise the 12-person jury, with two alternates. Adamcik and Brian Draper were arrested Sept. 27 and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the Sept. 22 stabbing death of Cassie Jo Stoddart.
The 16-year-old Pocatello High School junior was house-sitting for relatives in northeast Bannock County when she was killed. Her body was found Sept. 24 when her relatives returned home. Adamcik and Draper were also 16-year-old Pocatello High School juniors at the time of Stoddart's death.
Draper was found guilty on both charges on April 17 after a six-day trial. He is awaiting sentencing. Once a jury is found in Twin Falls for Adamcik's trial, they will be sequestered in Pocatello where the trial will continue.
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