LITTLE ROCK, AR — Concerns over a juror’s ability to be fair slowed down the manslaughter trial of Josh Hastings, the former Little Rock police officer charged with shooting 15-year old Bobby Moore, Jr.
Everyone thought 12 jurors had been seated, but a late concern about one juror’s possible relationship with the victim’s father led to his dismissal, and the so jury selection took a little longer than initially planned.
The jury is now set though, and will feature nine women and three men.
The 27-year old Hastings is accused of recklessly causing the death of Moore while he was on duty as a Little Rock Police officer last August.
Potential jurors today asked questions like if they believe police officers have an extra added layer of innocence given their job duties.
Hastings says he feared for his life when he came upon Moore and two others breaking into cars at the Shadow Lake Apartments on Markham.
The fired officer contends the car Moore drove sped towards him and he fired three shots to save his own life.
Eyewitness testimony indicated the car was actually stopped.
Opening statements in the trial are expected Wednesday morning.
Everyone thought 12 jurors had been seated, but a late concern about one juror’s possible relationship with the victim’s father led to his dismissal, and the so jury selection took a little longer than initially planned.
The jury is now set though, and will feature nine women and three men.
The 27-year old Hastings is accused of recklessly causing the death of Moore while he was on duty as a Little Rock Police officer last August.
Potential jurors today asked questions like if they believe police officers have an extra added layer of innocence given their job duties.
Hastings says he feared for his life when he came upon Moore and two others breaking into cars at the Shadow Lake Apartments on Markham.
The fired officer contends the car Moore drove sped towards him and he fired three shots to save his own life.
Eyewitness testimony indicated the car was actually stopped.
Opening statements in the trial are expected Wednesday morning.
