May 12, 2008 19:30

R Kelly trial: Day Two

Jury selection begins

Attorneys and the judge in the R Kelly child pornography trial began questioning potential jurors today (May 12) to select the panel that will be responsible for the R&B star’s fate.

Kelly, who faces child pornography charges for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a minor, was in attendance and looked somber during the start of the juror selection at the Cook County Courthouse in Chicago.

The 150 potential jurors must be narrowed down to 16, with four of them serving as alternates.

The selection process is being held behind closed doors, but two media representatives are attending and reporting back to the rest of the media.

Today, the first potential juror told the panel he believes the singer is guilty of the charges, reports the Chicago Tribune.

"I have two little kids, and child pornography is as low as it gets," he said.

Judge Vincent Gaughan told the man that Kelly's attorneys won't try to justify child pornography during the trial, adding, "There's no one in this room who condones child pornography."

Kelly, who remained silent during this morning’s questioning, nodded his head in agreement with the judge.

Both sides are allowed to eliminate seven potential jurors from the pool. Defence attorneys have indicated that they intend to oppose this man’s inclusion as a juror.

The juror selection is expected to take about a week, and the trial itself could last several weeks.

If Kelly is found guilty of the charges, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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