PORT ANGELES — The jury that will decide the fate of accused killer Robert Gene Covarrubias was selected Thursday, clearing the way for testimony to begin Monday in Clallam County’s first murder trial in more than three years.
As attorneys interviewed potential jurors, details emerged about evidence both Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Kelly and Covarrubias’ court-appointed attorneys plan to introduce.
Covarrubias, 25, is charged with first-degree murder for the rape and strangulation of Melissa Leigh Carter, 15, in December 2004.
Carter’s body was found in the brush beside Waterfront Trail east of downtown Port Angeles.
Covarrubias has pleaded innocent. He attended the hearing Thursday wearing a sweater, slacks and a brace under his clothing that prevented him from running.
Jury: 11 men, three women
The jury, selected from a pool of more than a 100 that reported to the courthouse on Monday, is comprised of 11 men and three women, none of whom are younger than 40 years old.
Before deliberations begin, two of the 14 jurors will be named as alternates and the remaining 12 will begin deliberations.
Testimony is expected to last two to three weeks and will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Clallam County Superior Court.
Kelly has said she will not seek the death penalty because premeditation cannot be proven.
Of the approximately 100 potential jurors who reported, 48 were interviewed by Kelly and Covarrubias’ attorneys, public defenders Ralph Anderson and Harry Gasnick.