Jury selection in the murder trial of the State vs. Grant Everson began Wednesday as attorneys for the prosecution and defense started weeding through a long list of potential jurors.

Everson, 21, is facing charges of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his mother Nancy Everson and second-degree murder in the attempted killing of his father Tom Everson.

Jurors represented a cross-section of Carver County, varying in location, age, sex and occupation. Lawyers talked to business owners, college students, stay-at-home moms and psycologists, among others.

Jurors were questioned individually Wednesday based on their responses to questionnaires distributed by the attorneys yesterday. In addition to discussing scheduling problems and work issues, the lawyers were looking for bias.

"What we're looking for are 12 people in this case who can follow the law," explained defense attorney Christine Funk.

But a number of jurors questioned Wednesday had already indicated on their questionnaires that they presumed Everson to be "definitely guilty" prior to the trial even beginning.

That prompted the attorneys and  Judge Kevin Eide to clarify an important point. They emphasized to jurors that the burden of proof in this case was on the prosecution and not the defense.

"Mr. Everson is innocent until proven guilty," Funk said. "We don't have to prove anything."

That statement caused at least one juror to ask the question, "Why?"

"That's a good question," Funk replied.

"It's actually a history lesson. Can I tell her?" she asked the judge.

But Funk's request was denied and that juror was dismissed from service.

In all, attorneys were able to rule out more than 12 potential jurors Wednesday including one who went to high school with Everson and admitted that it would be difficult for her to put aside what she already knew of him.

"I think he needs someone who doesn't know him," she said.

The jury selection process is expected to continue through Thursday and possibly into Friday as attorneys try to find at least 38 people to serve as jurors and alternates.

Check back to www.chaskaherald.com [1] for daily updates on this trial.