A pool of 73 potential jurors fielded questions Wednesday for a trial in the execution-style slaying of two women in Summit County.
Twelve jurors and two alternates will listen to testimony during the trial presided over by 3rd District Judge Frank Noel, which is expected to last for a week.Edward S. Deli, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of a blind 76-year-old Murray woman, Beth Potts, and her daughter, Kay Tiede, 49. Both women were killed Dec. 22, as they returned to their Summit County cabin.
If Deli is guilty, the same jury is expected to decide whether he should receive the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Members of the jury pool were questioned individually about what they have heard or read about the case and to determine their feelings about the death penalty. Noel riddled them with a series of other questions Tuesday, seeking an impartial panel.
Deli also is charged with attempting to kill Tiede's husband, Rolf; robbing him at gunpoint; stealing his vehicle; setting the family cabin on fire; kidnapping the couple's two daughters; and assaulting a police officer.
Co-defendant Von L. Taylor, 26, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors dropped seven other felony charges but still plan to seek the death penalty against him.