Judge alters jury selection strategy in Williams trial

Kim Smith

Friday, Feb. 2, 2001 | 11:06 a.m.

District Judge Mark Gibbons adopted a more lenient philosophy Thursday toward prospective jurors in the Jessica Williams case.

Nearly all who expressed reservations about serving were thanked for coming and dismissed.

The involuntary manslaughter trial is expected to take two weeks. Williams admits being behind the wheel of a van last March when it left the road and killed six teenagers picking up trash.

Only 44 of 98 prospective jurors came back this morning for more questioning.

Of the 54 dismissed Thursday, at least eight admitted having formed an opinion in the case. Most, however, said it would be too difficult for them to be sequestered or too much of a financial burden.

Some also had pre-planned trips or appointments.

Jury selection had been completed on Tuesday and the trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday, but Gibbons was forced to declare a mistrial after it was learned one of the jurors may have lied to get on the panel by saying she was unbiased.

During the earlier selection process, Gibbons was much more strict, dismissing only a quarter of the jury pool on the first day.

The new jury, which is expected to be picked by the end of today, will be larger, and it will be sequestered the length of the trial. Instead of having two alternate jurors, four will be selected.

Opening statements are planned for Monday.

Williams, 21, is accused of running over and killing six children as they picked up trash March 19 in the median of Interstate 15 near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Prosecutors contend Williams passed out while under the influence of marijuana and ecstasy, while her attorney argues she simply fell asleep.

Those killed were Malena Stoltzfus, Rebeccah Glicken, Jennifer Booth, Anthony Smith, Scott Garner Jr. and Alberto Puig. All of the children were 14 to 16 years old.

Williams has been charged with six counts each of reckless driving, involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance. She has also been charged with one count each of being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Williams faces up to 120 years if convicted.