Opening statements begin today, jury selection concludes, and heightened security marks the first day of the trial.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Jury selection wrapped up Monday after a pool of roughly 450 potential jurors was narrowed to 12 jurors and four alternates.
The process included detailed questionnaires designed to ensure an unbiased jury, asking about prior knowledge of the case, social media activity, views on law enforcement, and personal connections to first responders or victim advocacy efforts.
Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m., following a pretrial hearing at 8:30 a.m. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks, according to the presiding judge, who was brought in from San Antonio.
Court officials anticipate increased attendance throughout the proceedings, including possible appearances by family members of the Uvalde school shooting victims. 3NEWS’ Lexis Greene says security has been visibly increased around the courthouse, with barricaded parking areas, added law enforcement patrols, and controlled access inside the building.
Authorities say the state plans to call about 60 witnesses over the course of the trial, including medical examiners, responding law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and parents of victims.
The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office advises the public to expect traffic delays in the area but notes that additional parking is available for those with courthouse business.
Coverage of the trial will continue throughout the proceedings, with updates provided on air, online, and through digital platforms.
This is a 3NEWS team coverage, and we will update it as we bring you the latest details on the Uvalde Trial.