1/8/13 - Testimony is expected to begin this morning in the trial of a man accused of killing his brother and sister-in-law in Oceola Township after jury selection was completed Monday. The first day in the trial of 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski was spent interviewing and selecting jurors. Kowalski is accused of killing Richard and Brenda Kowalski in Oceola Township in 2008, and authorities say he confessed to the crime. However, defense attorney Walter Piszczatowski says that confession was only given after a lengthy interrogation and his questions to potential jurors reflected that position. He asked many of them whether they believed people could give false confessions and whether they believed police were more honest and reliable as witnesses. Prosecutor Pamela Maas asked fewer questions in general, and for many of the jurors only asked if they had heard any details about the trial and whether they would give both sides âa fair shake.â Almost 20 potential jurors were dismissed, including one that worked alongside the brother of a police officer involved in the case. In the end, seven men and eight women were selected for the jury and their swearing in and instruction was scheduled for today. (TD)
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