Jury Selection Winding Down For Fitch Murder Trial
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Jury selection is winding down in the trial of a man accused of shooting and killing a Mendota Heights police officer last July.
Brian Fitch Sr., 40, is charged with first-degree murder in the July, 30, 2014 shooting death of officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop.
After the July 30 shooting, a massive manhunt for Fitch ended in a shootout with police. Fitch was shot eight times, before he was arrested. Fitch, who is also charged with four other counts including attempted murder and unauthorized use of a firearm, has pleaded not guilty.
As of Thursday, 11 jurors had been chosen for the trial. There needs to be 14 total jurors, 12 in the jury plus two alternates, for the trial to begin. Proceedings will resume Friday morning, and the judge in the case expects opening arguments to take place Monday morning.
The jury consists of six men and five women. One of the selected jurors happens to be a certified medical assistant who works at the Stearns County Jail, has been there about 10 months and gave Fitch medicine on Monday. The juror is aware of the medications he is on.
Through his attorney, Fitch allowed that person to be on the jury, saying she demonstrated professionalism and a commitment to privacy.