THE LATEST: Despite a breakneck schedule, the second round of juror questioning in the Claud "Tex" McIver murder trial will resume late Monday morning. Only seven jurors will need to be questioned, leaving at least 42 would-be jurors, from which 16 (including four alternates) will be seated Monday.
THE ROAD TO APRIL: Those who are selected can expect to spend the remainder of March in the courtroom. But at least they won't be waiting. Oh, how they've waited. The DMV has nothing on this trial. And they're unlikely to be bored, as the next three weeks — give or take — will be filled with drama as jurors determine whether Tex McIver, as the prosecution contends, intentionally shot his wife, Diane.
Previously: Tex McIver charged with wife's murder
Also: McIver shooting a tale of love, class, race
TRUST THE PROCESS: Tedious though it's been, little time has been wasted. Because the McIver case has received extensive coverage from the local media, many of the prospective jurors came in with fixed opinions on guilt or innocence (mostly the former). Throw in a couple of hot button topics that may surface in testimony — guns and race — and the ranks of the biased only grows. Take Juror 25, whose sister was carjacked at gunpoint. That incident led the Buckhead resident to be "very anti-'having guns in cars' " and said it would impact her ability to be fair. She also said she was supportive of Black Lives Matter, attending a protest two years ago in Gwinnett County. McIver, according to his former spokesman, had pulled out his gun because he feared a BLM demonstration nearby. Juror 25 was excused.
WHAT'S NEXT: Some outstanding motions will be heard Monday related to Diane McIver's alleged second will, which the state says exists even though no one has produced a copy. A jury will be seated Monday afternoon, according to the judge, with opening statements to follow on Tuesday.
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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