In Chicago, the federal trial of R. Kelly begins in earnest today (Wednesday). It's predicted to run four-weeks. He's charged with obstructing the investigation and making illegal child pornography.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber swore in the 12 jurors and six alternates. They were selected among a pool of 40 after prosecutors and defense attorneys peppered them with questions about their biases.
R. Kelly’s lawyer challenged the prosecutor’s attempt to dismiss three Black jurors. The judge agreed that it appeared the government tried to remove them based solely on race.
The defense team sent 12 white potential jurors packing while prosecutors sat on their hands without a single objection. The jury is balanced: Four Black women and four white women. A pair of Black men and two white men. (Chicago Tribune)