The jury is in place in the trial of Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Butler, who’s charged with shooting and killing a suspect after mistaking a cell phone for a gun following a high-speed chase. The jury of nine women and three men was sworn in a yesterday, and opening statements in the case will start at 8:30 this morning. Judge James Richardson says the trial will run from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 p.m. now through Friday, and may even continue on Saturday. Richardson says he hopes to finish the trial yet this week. The case is garnering much national media attention, with a camera crew and reporters from Court TV on hand. Court TV will be carrying the trial “live” over their Website, and rebroadcasting the trial later on TV. Deputy Butler is charged with voluntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Dwayne Jens of Hancock at the end of a chase December 30th.
