Jury Selection Underway In University Of Virginia Lacrosse Player's Murder Trial
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WJZ)—The crime caused shockwaves in Maryland and Virginia. A Baltimore County native was killed at college, and her boyfriend stands accused of the crime. Now jury selection is underway in George Huguely's trial in Charlottesville, Va. right outside the University of Virginia.
Adam May has more on the high-profile trial and how the crime has impacted the small college town.
Two Maryland families have been sitting inside the courtroom all day long listening to a very tedious jury selection process. It's been rather difficult to find impartial jurors for this case. Many of the potential jurors say they feel the defendant is guilty and sympathize with the victim's family.
The mother, family and other friends of Cockeysville native Yeardley Love walked into court seeking justice two years after the University of Virginia star lacrosse player was found dead.
It's a case that put this small college town in national headlines.
"Things are crazy around here," said one local.
More than 200 reporters are covering the murder trial of George Huguely, a fellow lacrosse player. Police say Huguely broke into Love's off-campus apartment, and then beat his ex-girlfriend to death after a night of heavy drinking.
The Huguely family had nothing to say as lawyers began selecting a jury, but on street corners and cafes, the trial is the talk of the town.
What are the opinions? " More concern for their children," said one woman, a Charlottesville resident.
Ric Barrack is a spokesperson for the city of Charlottesville. He says the murder has had a major impact on the community.
"The university has been having conversations about domestic violence and alcohol abuse, and that has been very well received," Barrack said.
WJZ spoke to one mother of a college-bound student who already did just that, using the murder as a teaching moment for her daughter.
When asked if she learned something, her daughter responded: "Yes, very much."
Not just UVA, but all college campuses, can take away a lesson from Love.
The defense is expected to argue that Love's death was accidental, not premeditated. Opening arguments could begin as early as Tuesday. Testimony will last two weeks.
Huguely has been locked up ever since the crime. He faces the possibility of a life sentence if he is convicted of first-degree murder.
