Twelve jurors and two alternates were selected yesterday for the trial of a 29-year-old Nanty Glo man accused of killing a Tyrone Fire Chief.
George T. Lightcap IV is charged with the beating death of Ray E. Stringer in the early morning hours of Aug. 19, 2005 at the VFW in Nanty Glo. Lightcap faces first-degree murder, criminal homicide, and aggravated assault charges.
The jury selection proved to be a long and arduous task.
Judge Norman Krumenacker began questioning potential jurors shortly after 10 a.m. Attorneys for both sides didn’t accept the first member of the panel until 3:35 p.m.
It was another half hour until juror number two was picked. By 4 p.m., a total of 20 members of the panel had been excused with thanks from the court.
Judge Krumenacker indicated, that despite the late hour, he wanted to continue conducting interviews with the individuals. In a brief phone interview this morning, the judge said the jury was seated by 10 o’clock last night.
Initially, 145 potential jurors were called for screening. However, 18 people failed to show up and as a result can be fined or held in contempt of court. The remaining potential jurors were given the oath and Judge Krumenacker began his questioning procedure.
This morning, Judge Krumenacker told The Daily Herald the court schedule today called for procedural instructions followed by opening statements.
The jury will then be taken to the VFW to view the scene of the incident. Testimony in the case was due to start this afternoon.
Lightcap is being represented by defense attorneys Robert Davis Gleason and Art McQuillan of Johnstown. Assistant district attorneys Gary Costlow and Tammy Bernstein are handling the case for the prosecution.
