Bolaski jury draw begins

Jury selection for the Kyle Bolaski murder trial began on Wednesday and Franklin County Deputy State’s Attorney John Lavoie raised concern over a potential juror’s past association with the defendant’s family.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110505/NEWS02/705059896

Published May 5, 2011 in the Rutland Herald

Bolaski jury draw begins

By Christian Avard

Staff Writer

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Jury selection for the Kyle Bolaski murder trial began on Wednesday and Franklin County Deputy State’s Attorney John Lavoie raised concern over a potential juror’s past association with the defendant’s family.

The jury will determine whether Bolaski of Chester is guilty or innocent of murder in the second-degree, manslaughter, aggravated assault with a weapon, marijuana possession and a violation of conditions of release. Bolaski allegedly shot and killed Vincent Tamburello of Springfield in a confrontation at MacKenzie field in Chester in August 2008,

One of the potential jurors was identified as a former coworker of Bolaski’s father, David Bolaski. Lavoie asked the juror about their association and the juror said they worked together for 10 years. The juror said they enjoyed ice fishing and talked outside of work but knew very little about Kyle Bolaski. Lavoie asked if the juror could be impartial during the trial, to which the juror said “Yes.”

Up to 80 people filled the first-floor courtroom in criminal court in White River Junction. They went through an early-morning orientation and filled out a questionnaire relating to the case.

Judge M. Patricia Zimmerman met with potential jurors and discussed her expectations of the case. According to Zimmerman, the trial will last up to two weeks because one of the counts is murder. She said several witnesses will be called to testify and advised jurors that presumption of innocence “goes with you into the jury room” along with the evidence.

“You make the deliberations and you decide,” said Zimmerman. “This is an important case. Emotions will run high and we want no outside influence. We need to ensure the process is a fair one.”

Twenty-four potential jurors were selected during the afternoon session and underwent a question-and-answer session with Lavoie. He asked whether they believe the defendant is innocent until proven guilty, whether they can judge witness credibility, whether a person can use deadly force in self-defense, whether a private citizen should own firearms, and whether anyone has experienced life-threatening situations in a group or gang situation. Lavoie told the potential jurors they will face these issues when deciding the final verdict.

The jury pool returns to court today and will be reduced to 12 jurors. The trial begins Monday.