Holmes County, Fla. -
The second day of jury selection for the Johnny Mack Sketo Calhoun trial continued Tuesday in the Holmes County Courthouse. Only 3 alternates were needed to complete the 15 person panel and although it went a lot quicker, the process remained the same.
14th Judicial Circuit Judge Christopher Patterson conducted a "hybrid" version of the jury selection process. At the start of the day they were looking for two jurors, but that number was upped to three after one juror was excused.
More than 40 potential jurors met in groups of 3 for questioning. In a smaller court room, they were asked several critical questions that could excuse them from the case. One of the most important, if any of them had a relationship with the victim, Mia Shae Brown or the defendant, Johnny Mack Sketo Calhoun.
Prior knowledge was also a concern, since the incident received a lot of media attention when Brown went missing in December 2010. Sketo Calhoun is accused of killing the 24-year-old of Bonifay by setting her car on fire while being reportedly trapped inside the trunk.
Sketo Calhoun is charged with first degree murder and kidnapping. In the last two days Calhoun's mother stood by and listening to jury hearings right behind her son, sometimes even getting emotional.
49 potential witnesses were named and approved to take the stand if need be. After speaking to state attorney Glenn Hess-- he says, the state expects to finish presenting their case by Friday.
On Tuesday, the court sat all 3 alternates by the end of the day. Opening remarks are anticipated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
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