Original estimates had jury selection for the Claud “Tex” McIver murder trial taking three days. It lasted twice that long.

A panel of six men and six women were selected Monday afternoon to sit in judgement of McIver, 75, accused of intentionally shooting his wife, Diane, near Piedmont Park as the couple was being driven by a friend.

Judging  by the statements of would-be jurors already excused, there’s no real constituency favorable to McIver. Black or white, male or female, rich or poor, almost all who had formed an opinion on the case said they don’t believe the shooting was an accident. Only one would-be juror (out of more than 100 that were actually questioned) said he believed McIver’s account that the gun was unintentionally discharged.

Those picked to serve on the jury said they had yet to form an opinion. Most said they knew little to nothing about the McIver saga. Those more familiar with the case said they still didn’t know enough to have an opinion. For the 12 jurors and four alternates selected, that’s all about to change.

Stay with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for every twist and turn in the Tex McIver murder trial. We’ll provide minute-by-minute courtroom action as well as in-depth legal analysis of what it all means. Find links to our daily coverage, the “Breakdown” podcast, and the previous stories at our subscriber website, myajc.com/crime/

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