Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, August 23, 2013
(LEBANON) - The jury was sworn and opening statements began from the prosecution and defense Thursday morning in a Boone County courtroom for the David Camm trial.
Much of the morning was spent with the lawyers and judge meeting to discuss court procedures and instructions to the jury. The Boone County courtroom is full of family, reporters and spectators.
David Camm is accused of murdering his wife and two small children in their Floyd County home in September 2000. He resigned as an Indiana State trooper several months before the murders.
The case was moved to Boone County from southern Indiana because of pre-trial publicity of the case. This is the third trial for Camm after two previous convictions were overturned by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Camm has denied any involvement, claiming he was playing basketball at church with friends at the time of the killings.
The estimated total cost of all three trials is $4 million. Camm was convicted in the first two trials, but those convictions were overturned - one by the Indiana Supreme Court. If he is found not guilty in this trial, he would be set free.
Charles Boney has been convicted in connection with the killings, but has denied actually pulling the trigger. Boney is expected to be a prime witness in this trial, which could last six to ten weeks.
In a somewhat unusual move, there are a total of 19 jurors. Twelve will decide Camm's fate but there are seven alternates. If someone gets sick or has to be dismissed, there are plenty of people to fill in. That gives an idea of how important it is to both sides to find final resolution in Lebanon.
Opening statements were scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., with presentation of evidence to start at 1 p.m.
Jury selection began last week at the Boone County Courthouse.
DNA evidence will be allowed in this trial. A Boone County judge made that ruling two weeks ago.
The judge has ordered the potential jurors to stay away from social media, television and conversations about David Camm.
This murder case is one of the longest running in the state of Indiana, and it's gained national attention.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.