A jury for Jeffrey Wade Chapman’s trial was chosen Wednesday afternoon. Eight women and six men will serve, with 12 jurors and four alternates.
Barton County District Judge Ron Svaty said he chose more alternate jurors than usual because there have been several recent cases of illness. One prospective juror even threw up at the courthouse.
Chapman, 33, is charged with the first-degree murder of Damon Leslie Galyardt, 25, who was killed Nov. 11, 2011. His body was found by hunters in rural Barton County.
For the prosecuting attorneys, Assistant Attorney General Steven Karrer and Assistant Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor, and for the defense, represented by Kurt Kerns, the task was to find a fair and attentive jury.
“I don’t think there’s a more serious thing a person can be accused of (than murder),” Kerns said. “The state has the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Kerns reminded prospective jurors that Chapman is presumed innocent and does not have to prove his innocence. Therefore, he is not required to take the witness stand.
However, Kerns said, “He’s going to testify. I’ll tell you that right now.”
Because of the charge, three days were spent selecting a jury, to be sworn in Thursday morning before attorneys present their opening statements. Two full weeks have been set aside for the trial, but Judge Svaty said he doesn’t think it will take that many days. With that in mind, he decided jurors will not be allowed to take notes.
There were more than 200 potential jurors called Monday and Tuesday, and the final 16 were chosen from more than 42 who were called back and spent all day Wednesday at the courthouse. The judge noted they will receive a token sum in payment.
“Your true pay is knowing you have fulfilled one of your duties as a citizen of the state of Kansas,” he said.
Svaty reminded everyone to drive carefully, as snow had fallen in the afternoon and the roads were becoming snowpacked.