By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

A Galveston County judge made several key rulings Monday before jury selection in the James Elmore Jr. trial.

Elmore faces a manslaughter charge in the death of Laura Miller.

Miller disappeared in 1984. Searchers found her remains in 1986 near Calder Road in League City.

The area later became known as the Texas Killing Fields.

Elmore has pleaded not guilty.

Judge allows evidence involving Audrey Cook

One major ruling involved Audrey Cook.

Searchers found Cook’s remains near Miller’s remains during the same search.

Prosecutors told the judge they want jurors to hear evidence about Cook’s remains and autopsy findings.

The state said Cook died from a gunshot wound. Investigators also recovered a bullet near her spine.

Prosecutors argued that the evidence could help corroborate statements they attribute to Elmore.

According to prosecutors, Elmore allegedly knew Cook had been shot while walking away.

The state said that information had not become public.

However, prosecutors told the judge they do not plan to argue that Elmore killed Cook.

Instead, they want to use the evidence to support their claim that Elmore had personal knowledge about Cook’s death.

Elmore’s attorney objected.

The defense argued that the evidence could unfairly prejudice jurors against Elmore.

The judge overruled the objection and allowed the evidence.

Karey Dodson testimony allowed

The judge also ruled on expected testimony from Karey Dodson.

Dodson lived with Tim and Laura Miller during the 1980s. She shared a room with Laura.

Dodson also knew Clyde Hedrick.

Prosecutors said Dodson could testify about interactions involving Hedrick and Elmore.

The state also wants Dodson to describe alleged threats connected to conversations about Laura Miller.

During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors referenced an alleged statement about having “killed before.”

The state argued that the testimony provides important context for the case.

Elmore’s attorney objected.

The defense argued that the testimony could unfairly prejudice jurors.

The judge overruled the objection.

The court will allow the state to present the testimony during its case.

Prosecutors also discussed allegations involving an attempted kidnapping.

The state said it does not plan to introduce that allegation during its case in chief. It could become relevant during the punishment phase if jurors convict Elmore.

Prosecutors disclose last-minute tip

Prosecutors also told the judge about a last-minute tip.

An individual contacted the prosecutor’s office Thursday and claimed to have incriminating information about Elmore.

The person came to court Monday and spoke with prosecutors.

The state then disclosed the information to Elmore’s attorney.

Prosecutors told the judge they did not plan to use the information.

They also said they did not expect to call the person as a witness.

Elmore chooses jury to decide possible punishment

Elmore also made an important decision before jury selection.

His attorney filed paperwork asking the jury to determine punishment if jurors convict him.

Manslaughter carries a possible prison sentence of two to 20 years.

The same jury would decide Elmore’s sentence after a guilty verdict.

The decision also allowed attorneys to question potential jurors about punishment during jury selection.

Texas Killing Fields discussed before jury selection

Attorneys also discussed how much information they could give potential jurors about the case.

Prosecutors raised concerns about people who may already know about the Texas Killing Fields.

The judge said attorneys could provide basic facts to determine whether potential jurors had already formed an opinion.

Those facts included the names of Laura Miller and her father, Tim Miller.

Tim Miller founded Texas EquuSearch after his daughter’s murder.

Six people in the jury pool said they had worked with or volunteered for Texas EquuSearch.

Attorneys questioned potential jurors about whether they could remain fair and impartial.

13 jurors seated after hours of questioning

Jury selection continued for several hours Monday.

The court started with a pool of about 184 potential jurors.

Attorneys ultimately selected 13 people.

Seven women and six men were seated.

The court later confirmed that a woman will serve as the alternate.

That leaves the 12-person jury with six women and six men.

Opening statements begin Tuesday

Opening statements will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The judge indicated that each side could receive up to 15 minutes for opening statements.

The state will then begin calling witnesses.

The prosecution’s witness list includes retired League City Police Officer Steven Cox. Cox worked the crime scene when searchers found Laura Miller’s remains in 1986.

The state also plans to call a former Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office intern and current Galveston County Medical Examiner Dr. Erin Barnhart.

Karey Dodson also appears on the witness list.

Hitchcock Police Detective Cory Williams is another expected witness. Williams works with the Calder Road Killing Field Task Force.

Tim Miller, Laura Miller’s father and the founder of Texas EquuSearch, also appears on the state’s witness list.

The defense did not submit a witness list and currently does not plan to call witnesses.

The trial could continue through the week.

ChopperRose.com will continue following the James Elmore Jr. trial as testimony gets underway.