More than 200 potential jurors were summoned to a Georgia courthouse for questioning in the trial of a former prosecutor accused of interfering with the investigation into the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery. The former district attorney, Jackie Johnson, is facing charges related to her handling of the case where Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was chased and fatally shot by three white men.
The jury selection process began with individual questioning of potential jurors, resulting in the dismissal of 15 individuals who had already formed strong opinions about the case. Over 40 others were excused based on biases or hardships indicated in their questionnaires.
Some potential jurors expressed views that Johnson had given special treatment to Arbery's assailants, while others believed the prosecution was a witch hunt or defended Johnson's actions as part of her job.
The jury selection process is expected to continue through the week, with delays anticipated due to winter weather conditions. The trial is being closely watched due to the notoriety of Arbery's killing and Johnson's public profile as the former top prosecutor in Glynn County.
Johnson was indicted in 2021 on charges of violating her oath of office and hindering police in the investigation of Arbery's death. Prosecutors allege that she showed favoritism towards the men involved in the killing, delaying their arrest until a video of the shooting surfaced online.
The men responsible for Arbery's death were convicted of murder and hate crimes in separate trials. Johnson has denied any wrongdoing, stating that she recused herself from the case due to her connection to one of the men involved.
The trial is expected to last for an extended period as the court works to select a jury of 12 members plus alternates. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the handling of high-profile cases and the accountability of public officials in the criminal justice system.
