Jury picked for trial of man charged in shooting death of CPD Officer Ella French
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Jury selection was completed Monday for the man charged with shooting and killing Chicago Police Officer Ella French and wounding her partner in 2021.
French, 29, was killed in August 2021 while conducting a traffic stop in Englewood. Her partner, Carlos Yanez Jr., was shot and paralyzed.
The 12-person jury and five alternates were made up of largely suburban jurors for the murder trial. Eight of the jurors are men and nine are women. Opening statements in Emonte Morgan's trial are set to begin on Tuesday.
Emonte Morgan, 23, is facing an 85-count indictment in the shooting, charging him with multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and other felonies.
His brother, Eric Morgan, pleaded guilty in October to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Jury selection in Emonte Morgan's trial began Monday morning at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. Possible jurors were asked about their previous knowledge of the case and if what they'd seen would impact their ability to make an objective decision. Most people had prior knowledge but said it would not impact their ability to hear the case fairly.
Morgan's mother appeared in court on Monday.
"It's time that people know the truth and I say release the body cams and let the body cams speak for themself," said Eveleena Flores. "I don't have to come up here and give a whole spiel about my son. I know he's innocent."
Prosecutors have said Eric Morgan handed over his car keys during a traffic stop near 63rd and Bell on Aug. 7, 2021, but Emonte Morgan refused to put down his drink and cell phone, leading to a struggle with French, Yanez, and a third officer, Joshua Blas.
Emonte Morgan is accused of firing several shots at the officers during the struggle, hitting French and Yanez. Police also shot Emonte Morgan after he opened fire.
In the meantime, Eric Morgan ran off but was later caught by Blas.
Several other officers responded, putting French and Yanez into squad cars to bring them to the hospital. Doctors were unable to save French. Yanez lost an eye and was left paralyzed below the waist.