Accused cop killer Jamie Hood, combative and vocal during pre-trial motions, promised a judge Monday that he would be on his best behavior as jury selection got underway in the death penalty case.
Because Hood is acting as his own attorney, logistics during the proceedings were more complicated than usual.
Normally, prosecutors and defense attorneys huddle with judges at the bench when legal matters arise that need to be discussed out of the earshot of potential jurors. But, in this case, notes were passed in an effort to create a security buffer. Deputies created a line separating Hood from the judge, the jurors and spectators. And Hood often raised his hand when he wanted to be recognized by the judge, instead of standing as is the practice when a lawyer wants to speak.
Hood, 37, is on trial for murder and dozens of other felony charges.
He's pleaded not guilty, though he has admitted in pre-trial court hearings that killed Athens police officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian and wounded officer Tony Howard in March 2011. He also is charged with Kenneth Omari Wray in December 2010 when, prosecutors say, the 30-year-old Athens-Clarke County Public Works Department employee refused to tell Hood where to find a particular drug dealer.
Monday was the first day of jury selection.
The jurors will be from Elbert County, 35 miles from Athens, because of widespread media coverage of Hood’s case. They will sequestered in an Athens motel once they are seated.
According to prosecutors, Hood kidnapped Jadon Brooks because Brooks also wouldn’t tell him where to find the drug dealer. Brooks said Hood bound his hands and feet with zip ties and put him into the trunk of his brother’s car. Brooks, however, escaped while the car was stopped at a traffic. After an alert was issued for Hood, Howard pulled over Hood and his brother. When Christian responded as backup, Hood allegedly shot Howard first and then fired on Christian’s car, hitting Christian in the head.
Hood fled. But four days later, he took hostages and called the Georgia Bureau of Investigation saying he would release them and surrender if news outlets covered it live, which they did.
During pre-trial motions, Hood was disruptive and was banished from the courtroom several times. He fired his attorneys when they questioned his mental health. He also insisted on representing himself, which has not been done in a death penalty trial in Georgia. Two of those lawyers are on standby, sitting behind Hood to give him advice, but they cannot participate.
Just before the lunch break Monday, Hood thanked Judge Patrick Haggard for letting him represent himself. “I knew it wasn’t a popular decision for you. I want everybody to know I’m going to be on my best behavior. I’m not going to do nothing to make you disappointed in me.”
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