By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
The James Elmore Jr. trial is set to begin Monday in Galveston County.
Elmore faces a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of Laura Miller.
The case is scheduled in the 122nd District Court.
The court has already warned attorneys that it does not expect another delay without a serious emergency.
Jury selection could draw a large crowd
Jury selection may become one of the first major hurdles in the case.
During an earlier pretrial hearing, the judge and attorneys discussed calling more than 200 prospective jurors because of the publicity surrounding the case.
The court also discussed using a larger courtroom.
Attorneys considered a written jury questionnaire and individual questioning for some prospective jurors. The goal is to determine whether jurors can decide the case only on evidence presented in court.
Manslaughter case will go first
Prosecutors previously told the judge they plan to try the manslaughter case first.
Elmore has several other criminal cases pending.
The state has said evidence connected to some of those cases could become relevant during the manslaughter trial. If Elmore is convicted, prosecutors could also seek to introduce additional evidence during the punishment phase.
Watch the pretrial hearing
I previously covered Elmore’s Aug. 21 pretrial hearing, where the judge and attorneys discussed jury selection, outstanding discovery and how the manslaughter case would move forward.
Watch my full video from the hearing below for more context before Monday’s trial.
When testimony could begin
The court previously discussed beginning jury selection Monday afternoon.
Opening statements and testimony could begin Tuesday if a jury is seated in time. Attorneys have estimated the trial could last about one week.
That timeline could change depending on how long jury selection takes.
What to watch Monday
The biggest questions heading into court are how large the jury pool will be, whether attorneys use questionnaires and how quickly they can seat a jury.
There could also be last-minute motions before testimony begins.
Chopper Rose Productions will be at the courthouse following developments as the case moves toward trial.
Traveling to Galveston County?
Visitors following the trial can compare lodging options through Hotels.com.
Long courthouse days can also mean keeping phones and reporting equipment charged. Courtroom and travel essentials are available through Amazon.
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Earlier coverage: Read what happened during Elmore’s pretrial hearing and why the judge said the Aug. 31 setting would remain firm.