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Last updated on Friday, July 1, 2011
(BRAZIL, IN) - Jury selection begins in Clay County today in the trial of a Martinsville teen accused of shooting a former schoolmate.
16-year-old Michael Phelps faces six felony charges, including attempted murder, in the shooting of 15-year-old Chance Jackson at Martinsville West Middle School March 25th.
Clay County is supplying the jury pool because Phelps' Attorney Steven Litz voiced concern his client wouldn't get a fair trial.
Attorneys have 75 people to pull from for the jury pool.
Jackson's Attorney Catherine Michael says her client suffered substantial physical and emotional trauma in the shooting and is still undergoing physical therapy.
Jackson was shot twice in the stomach.
Phelps in being tried as an adult in the case and is being held in the Morgan County Jail.
He's also charged with aggravated battery, possession of a handgun without a license, trespassing on school property and bringing a handgun on school property among other charges.
Litz argues that his client didn't intend to seriously harm Jackson and that his act was a cry out for help. However, prosecutors say Phelps' actions were premeditated.
The actual trial will be held in Morgan County and begins July 11th. Jury selection in Clay County is expected to last a full day at most.
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