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Twelve jurors selected for Simmons trial, but no alternates named yet

By Howard B. Owens

Twelve Genesee County residents have been selected to serve on the jury of the Jacquetta Simmons case.

A pool of potential jurors are being drawn for consideration as alternate jurors. The potential alternates will be interviewed after the lunch break.

Simmons is being tried on a single count of assault in the second degree with an accusation of being more than 10 years younger than the alleged victim who is over age 65.

The 27-year-old Batavia woman is accused of hitting a 70-year-old Walmart cashier on Christmas Eve.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: Three alternate jurors have been selected. The jury is comprised of 10 women and two men. The three alternates are women. Judge Robert C. Noonan is delivering instructions and the trial will start tomorrow.

Doug Yeomans

Mark, that sounds kinda racist....like what the KKK would have said in the deep south: "Hang the N from the tree!" I can't believe you even said that.

Aug 21, 2012, 2:47pm Permalink
RICHARD L. HALE

I didn't hear anything like that Doug....it's obvious that she did it...let's get it over with. If anything, it will be the "race card" that saves her.

Aug 21, 2012, 3:46pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

*Blinking* I looked again and I clearly see him saying to hang her. I also see what you just said. Why would her race save her from anything, You're on the edge of sounding racist, too. Just sayin....

Aug 21, 2012, 4:07pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

No matter what the race of the defendant is, I agree that she's guilty of assault, plain and simple. The older woman posed no threat and I'm sure Jacquetta was well aware of that. she struck another person out of anger, not self defense.

Aug 21, 2012, 4:10pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

If it were clearly a racist remark, I would have removed it.

Yes, for anybody who takes a moment to think about it, "hang her" directed at an African American defendant recalls lynching as part of the ugly past in the Jim Crow South.

However, I'm not assuming Mr. Jackett intended that meaning (I can't read minds). It's quite possible he's convinced of the defendant's guilt, even before the trial begins, with no thought or regard as to her race.

Aug 21, 2012, 5:29pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

I agree that she and everyone else should have a fair trial. We shall see if justice is served or not. Everyone already knows she punched Mrs Souzzi in the face. It's alleged at this point but witnesses saw it and I don' believe there's any reason to think otherwise. If she's found innocent of assault, something is seriously wrong with the court system (my opinion). Justice is served if someone is found innocent when they actually are, or guilty when they actually are. Due process is carried out regardless of the outcome. I feel that this has been dragged out far too long and needs to be resolved ASAP.

Aug 21, 2012, 6:03pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Dave, I actually wish I could be on this jury. I'm curious as to all of the particulars about this case, especially what the defense is going to offer up as the other side of the story.

Aug 21, 2012, 6:18pm Permalink
Phil Ricci

Racist? How about just really asinine. Apparently word association is not a part of Mark's life toolbox.

As far as this case goes, unless the evidence can show that Ms. Simmons was attacked, I think popping a 70 year old woman in the face for trying to check your bag is a bit excessive.

Aug 21, 2012, 6:24pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Doug, I can't wait to hear how the defense will attempt to explain the video evidence, let alone eyewitness
accounts. I would be disqualified for jury service in this case, I don't think she's guilty, I know it.

Aug 21, 2012, 6:45pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

I plan on going there and watching this trial myself. It will be a test on if I can remain impartial in the face of the evidence presented. I find myself agreeing with most in here that she is guilty, period. I think this will be far more interesting and enlightening than your standard Law & Order episode.

Aug 21, 2012, 8:43pm Permalink

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