NORWICH – Seven juror spots were filled Tuesday during jury selection for the trial of Ganesh R. Ramsaran.
Jury selection is expected to conclude Wednesday morning with opening statements to take place sometime in the afternoon. Right now, five males and two females have been selected.
Both the prosecution and the defense were able to question potential jurors.
“I’m sure you’ve all seen cool stuff on CSI,” said McBride. “Don’t hold me to those high TV standards. I have no magic machine. It’s not a John Grisham novel.”
Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. instructed the potential jurors that the defendant has the right to a fair trial regardless of what they may have seen, heard, or read. “If you tell me that you cannot put certain matters aside and render a fair verdict, you will be excused,” said Revoir.
“I heard so many things on TV, I don’t think I could give a fair verdict,” said one potential jurror.
“I’ve heard things, I’ve seen things on the news, I have read things. I have my opinion,” said another.
Both were excused, along with dozens more.
After the witness list was read, potential jurors were asked if they knew any of the individuals. Many shared their relationships with potential witnesses, including various investigators, authorities, a Norwich Police Officer, and numerous other individuals. Corporations, including Facebook, Apple, Verizon, and Frontier were also named to the witness list. Potential jurors notified the court of their Facebook activity, and if they happened to be a Frontier customer.
“I have followed the case on Facebook,” said one woman. “And I work with someone who was good friends with the victim.” She was excused.
When the jury pool was reduced, Revoir explained that the duty of the jury is to ensure a fair trial. He continued by saying the jurors must listen to the law as the court gives it.
“A grand jury indictment must not be taken as evidence of guilt,” said Revoir. “The defendant may – but is not required to – present evidence, witnesses, testify, or explain his actions in any way.”
Revoir continued by telling the jury pool that the defendant is presumed innocent, and he is “not required to prove that he is not guilty.” He told the men and women that is the prosecution’s job. “The burden never shifts from the prosecution to the defendant.”
Those selected to serve on the jury are permitted to go home each evening but the seven (thus far) have been instructed to not watch TV, read newspapers, or discuss the case.
“Divorce, money, deception … things like that,” is what Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride said to 14 of the potential jurors when it was his turn to question them. “There will be graphic evidence. There will be sexual texting before and after an alleged homicide.” He described it as unpleasant.
“I don’t have a videotape of the the defendant doing anything,” said McBride. “Most of the evidence is circumstantial, but that is not any better or worse than direct evidence.”
“I’ve done this before, but never in this environment,” said defense attorney Gilberto Garcia to potential jurrors. “You seem to be all down to earth people, and I’ve seen you honestly express your opinions.”
Garcia continued by telling the individual they are to judge the facts, follow the rules and instructions from the court, and said the rules are just and fair once the jury has listened to all of the evidence.
“Your decision will impact many lives,” said Garcia. “Mr. Ramsaran starts this trial as an innocent man. He can only be found guilty if the people prove it to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Garcia asked one potential juror if the fact that the charge is murder if she was more apt to favor the people. She said, “I have a hard time. In my opinion, it’s that a female has died, that yes.” That woman was later excused.
“Mr. Ramsaran is not caucasian and neither am I,” said Garcia to one man. Garcia asked if the man held a bias because “we don’t look like you.”
“No, no problem. None whatsoever,” said the man.
Garcia continued to address the jury pool and said, “This man is innocent until proven guilty. It is easier to make a charge than to disprove a charge.”
After a number of potential jurors were excused, more were questioned.
McBride said, “Economic issues, life insurance, sex, money, and divorce will all come up. It will be graphic and it will be uncomfortable.”
The DA said to the group that the jurors are the ones that are going to look him in the eye and find him guilty or not guilty.
With regard to the manner of the homicide, McBride said, “I don’t have evidence of how she was actually killed. How he did it isn’t a factor.”
“What if all this evidence he (McBride) discussed is not before you?” asked Garcia when addressing this second group. “He told you there would be sexual things, photos … and you don’t see any of that?”
Said Garcia, “Just because he is a prosecutor doesn’t mean he gets to win all the time. Mr. Ramsaran stands innocent before you. Circumstantial evidence are like little pieces of a a puzzle. If the puzzle is not complete, you cannot convict.”
The next group of prospective jurors is to arrive this morning, and according to the court, the full jury of 14 (12 plus two alternates), should be selected by this afternoon.
McBride said he is prepared for opening statements this afternoon, and will be ready to call his first witness by Thursday morning.