Jury Selection Underway For Trial Of 2 Men Charged In Backyard Barbecue Mass Shooting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Jury selection is underway for the trial of two men accused in a mass shooting at a backyard barbecue in Wilkinsburg nearly four years ago.
Cheron Shelton and Robert Thomas are charged with killing five adults and an unborn child at a cookout on Franklin Avenue in March of 2016.
Good morning. Jury selection begins today for Cheron Shelton and Robert Thomas. They're charged with killing five adults and an unborn child during a backyard barbecue in March of 2016. I will be following this all day today so stay tuned for updates on @KDKA. pic.twitter.com/hXDcXlPMmE
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) January 6, 2020
The shooting injured three others, including a man who is paralyzed.
Around noon on Monday, the first juror was selected. He's a white, middle-aged man who served in the Army.
A white, young woman who works as a paraprofessional at Norwin School District was selected as a second juror.
A total of 12 jurors and four alternates need to be chosen. Jury selection continues Tuesday.
The trial is expected to start on Feb. 3.
It could take up to three weeks and could include 145 potential witnesses.
This trial could take up to three weeks once it starts Feb. 3. There are around 145 potential witnesses.
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) January 6, 2020
If the men are convicted, prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
Attorneys Randall McKinney and Wendy Williams are representing Cheron Shelton.
Casey White and Michael Machen are representing Robert Thomas.
Right now they're unable to talk to the media because there's a gag order in the case.
Stay with KDKA for Amy Wadas' full reports on this developing story at 5 and 6 p.m.
