Kan. judge reopens much of jury selection in trial over slaying of abortion doctor

Judge opens jury process in abortion slaying case

WICHITA, Kan. — The judge overseeing the trial of the confessed killer of Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller has reopened much of the jury selection process to the public, but with some restrictions.

Sedgwick County Judge Warren Wilbert ruled Wednesday that representatives of four media outlets, including The Associated Press, that appealed the closing of jury selection can sit in the courtroom once the pool is narrowed to 42 jurors. All the prospective jurors in the murder trial of Scott Roeder will be questioned about sensitive private issues behind closed doors.

Media attorney Lyndon Vix announced the ruling after a closed hearing over whether to open jury selection. The judge also released a copy of a jury questionnaire to the media.

Vix says Wilbert forbid any broadcast or recording of the proceedings, including updates on mobile devices.