Jury Selection for Man Who Killed TV Anchor Underway

Jury selection began Monday for Curtis Vance, the man accused of killing KATV Anchor Anne Pressly. Attorneys spent 11 hours choosing the first eight jurors -- five white men and three black women. Four more jurors and two alternates remain to be chosen. The defense team for Curtis Vance is concerned over race relations in this case and whether Vance can get a fair trial.

Popular Arkansas television personality, Anne Pressly was found brutally beaten in her bed in October 2008. She died days later without regaining consciousness. Curtis Vance, who is accused of killing KATV Anchor Anne Pressly, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder, rape and burglary.

Evidence, race, and the selection of a fair jury are all big questions in the trial. Prosecutors say they plan to use DNA evidence and taped confessions from Vance. Defense lawyers say police coerced Vance into providing a DNA sample before his arrest. Vance said he was confused by "police trickery."

During the selection of the jury in the Anne Pressly murder trial, only one out of the original pool of 125 said they had heard nothing about the case. Judge Chris Piazza says as long as people base their opinions about the case solely on what happens in the courtroom, their prior media exposure is acceptable.

Judge Chris Piazza has called between 100 and 160 potential jurors for the case, which is twice the normal number called for a trial. The potential jurors face questioning, 5 at a time, from prosecutors and defense attorneys about their view of the death penalty and how much they know about this case already.

This is the first death penalty case tried here in 5 years and security is much tighter than normal in an Arkansas Courtroom. Cameras, laptops and any type of recording devices are not allowed in the courtroom, and doors are locked once court begins, only to be unlocked during breaks.

Curtis Vance could face the death penalty if convicted in the murder of KATV Anchor Anne Pressly.