Opening statements begin today in Iowa vs. Seley

GREENFIELD - Jury selection in the State of Iowa vs. Dustin James Seley murder trial continued Wednesday morning in the Adair County Courthouse with defense attorney Jill Eimermann questioning potential jurors about their ability to be fair and impartial.

EImermann reminded potential jurors that the burden of proof lies on the prosecution, who must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Seley is guilty of the charge brought against him – murder in the first degree. Seley charges come after the body of Timothy Charles Fechter of Creston was discovered July 1 in an Adair farm field next to 320th Avenue.

By noon Wednesday, the entire pool of 64 jurors that reported for duty Monday had been dwindled down to a jury of 14, which includes two alternate jurors. The alternates will not be identified until all evidence has been presented and witness testimony has been complete.

Opening statements begin this morning at 9 a.m. in the Adair County Courthouse.