Jury selection continues today in Brent Luyster’s triple, aggravated murder trial in Clark County Superior Court.
The trial is being held in one of the fourth-floor courtrooms, the largest in the Clark County Courthouse, but it was standing-room only Monday morning for the public and family of the victims after 92 jurors were escorted into the courtroom.
Judge Robert Lewis, who is presiding, instructed jurors on what to expect during the selection process and read them Luyster’s charges: three counts of first-degree aggravated murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder and first- and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from the July 15, 2016, shooting deaths of Joseph Mark Lamar, 38; Lamar’s partner, Janell Renee Knight, 43; and Zachary David Thompson, 36, at Lamar’s home southeast of Woodland. He is also accused of wounding Thompson’s partner, Breanne L.A. Leigh, then 32, who suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of her face.
Seated next to his attorneys, Luyster, 37, wore a blue button down shirt and black jeans to court, a stark contrast to the orange jail jumpsuit and shackles he’s typically in.
Approximately 18 jurors were excused Monday morning due to hardship issues, such as previously scheduled travel plans or medical conditions that would interfere with their ability to serve. Lewis individually questioned each juror who said they have a hardship issue in a session in front of the attorneys and Luyster.
The remaining jurors filled out a lengthy questionnaire, used to gather information about them and any preconceived notions they may have about the case.
Lewis said court administration would not call in any additional jurors for today. He said the court will wait and see how voir dire — a process where attorneys have a chance to question jurors — goes today, and if any jurors are excused for cause.
Jury selection is expected to run through the day.
No electronic devices, photography or recording is allowed in the courtroom during the jury selection process.
The court will likely hear last-minute motions from the prosecution and defense Wednesday before opening statements.
Lewis said the trial will run Monday through Thursday this week, Nov. 6 to 9, Nov. 13 to 17 and Nov. 20 and 21. It’s possible the trial could go into the week of Nov. 27, he said, adding that the jury’s deliberations will take however long is needed.
