Jury Selection Begins For Man Accused Of Tulsa Courthouse Shooting

Potential jurors are being questioned for the trial of the man accused of opening fire outside the Tulsa County Courthouse and hitting a deputy.

3/20/12 Related Story: Charges Filed In Tulsa Courthouse Shooting

It was 18 months ago when it took a different jury only 15 minutes to find Andrew Dennehy mentally competent to stand trial.

Dennehy didn't have to be in court Monday for the first stage of jury selection; that process actually began behind closed doors.

Lawyers will spend two days selecting just 12 jurors, out of the 40 or 50 that begin, to hear the case of Andrew Dennehy.

Prosecutors say Dennehy walked into the Tulsa County Courthouse plaza and opened fire when deputies confronted him. One deputy was shot in the hand and has recovered.

Months later, another jury said Dennehy should stand trial for the crimes.

Court documents say Dennehy is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The first step is for potential jurors to fill out a routine questionnaire. The 13 page document asks about employment, family situation and even knowledge about the court system.

From this point forward, potential members can't speak to anyone or follow news coverage about the case.

Jurors will decide whether Dennehy is guilty of one misdemeanor and three felony charges, including shooting with intent to kill.

Prosecutors say Dennehy is expected to be in court for jury selection Tuesday morning. That's where attorneys will review the answers and start asking the jurors questions.