Potential jurors in the Lisa Greene murder and arson case said on Tuesday that they would be able to put aside any information they may hear outside of the courtroom about the case if they are called to serve.
Lisa Dubs and Robert Campbell, Greene's attorneys had asked Superior Court Judge Robert Bell on Monday to move the trial to another location because media attention could bias a Cabarrus County jury. Bell said he would only consider the change in venue if several jurors showed signs of a bias because of media scrutiny. Of the eight jurors questioned by Ashlie Shandley, Cabarrus County Assistant District Attorney, five said they had seen media coverage of the case but would base their decision solely on courtroom testimony. One juror was excused Tuesday because he said his religious convictions, wouldn't allow him to kill another person - no matter what the circumstances.
Bell estimated that court proceedings could last eight weeks: Four weeks for jury selection and four weeks for the trial phase.
Bell also ruled Tuesday that he would allow television cameras in the courtroom after ruling Monday that he would allow still-frame photographs to be taken. Jon Buchan, an attorney representing local media outlets, argued that cameras in the courtroom would alleviate any misinformation about that case. Greene's attorneys and Shandley objected to cameras in the courtroom. Greene is on trial for the death of her two children, Daniel Macemore, 10, and Addison, Macemore, 8 in a trailer fire on Jan 10, 2006. Both children died of carbon monoxide poisoning. If found guilty she could face the death penalty.
