Opening statements are expected Tuesday in the murder trial of Kyle Brestan in the 2017 stabbing death of a Washington woman.
The Bloomington man is accused of stabbing 27-year-old Shannon Hastings more than 100 times. The victim was found in a west Bloomington hotel room.
Brestan, 35, wore a gray suit and white shirt as he sat with defense lawyer Stephanie Wong during jury selection Monday. He wrote notes on a legal pad.
The trial could last two weeks, Judge Casey Costigan told potential jurors. The witness list includes about 70 people, many of them Bloomington police officers.
Among several jurors excused Monday morning was a man who recognized Brestan as an employee of a local auto dealership where the would-be juror purchased a car in 2016.
Another man was dismissed from jury service after he made a remark to Rigdon as he left the courtroom during a break.
“I believe in CSI,” the man told the prosecutor in a tone loud enough for others to hear.
The potential juror was brought back into the courtroom by Costigan for follow-up questions about the reference to the crime show.
“I think DNA is more honest than people,” the man said in response to a question from Rigdon.
Wong opposed a request by Rigdon to release the juror for cause based on the remark. The defense lawyer earlier asked all jury candidates about their knowledge of DNA technology.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
