Crime and Courts

Jury selected in suspended UM quarterback rape case

Posted: Feb 11, 2013 12:34 PM by MTN News
Updated: Feb 11, 2013 1:11 PM

MISSOULA - The jury selection process in the rape trial of suspended University of Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson has ended in a Missoula courtroom.

A dozen prospective jurors, along with five alternates, were called at around noon on Monday in Judge Karen Townsend's courtroom.

That number has been pared down from about 160 possible jurors who gathered at the Holiday Inn on Friday for day one of the jury selection.

A special questionnaire was originally sent out to around 400 perspective jurors for the high-profile case. Many were excused from service for numerous reasons, including sickness, class load and familiarity with the case.

Seven women and five men were picked early Monday afternoon to hear the case and took their oaths. Opening statements are slated to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Johnson is accused of raping a woman a year ago while the two were watching a movie at her house.

His trial was originally scheduled to last three weeks, but today the judge said it will be 11 days.

Follow our coverage on Twitter with #johnsontrial.