Jury selection continues in Sullivan Co. murder trial

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) – Jury selection is currently underway for a high-profile murder trial in Sullivan County.

After three rounds a total of nine jurors have been seated.

Johnus Orr is accused of murdering his step-sister Tiffanie Adams and her unborn son. About 100-potential jurors will be considered for the 12-person jury.

The defense had asked the jurors be sequestered once selected to limit their exposure to media coverage of the trial. But, a judge denied that request.

To start round one there were 14 prospective jurors and of those 14, six of them were dismissed early on by Judge Hugh Hunt. By the end of round one there was only one prospective juror who had not been dismissed.

Yates reported that the state is asking prospective jurors about their knowledge of news coverage in connection with this case, knowledge about a cell phone, among other questions. Any juror who has personal knowledge of the case are being questioned in chambers before moving on.

Round two was complete just before 12:30 p.m. after questioning 13 possible jurors. Yates reported two possible jurors were dismissed early for personally knowing Orr.

Four jurors remained after round two making a total of five jurors seated.

Nine prospective jurors were questioned in the third round. Of those two jurors were released early and then four were seated. That brings the total to nine jurors so far.

If convicted, Orr could face more than 65-years behind bars for each count of murder.