BY STEPHANIE BEECKEN
6 News Reporter
MADISONVILLE (WATE) - The jury was selected Monday for a Sweetwater woman accused of killing Monroe County Election Commission Chairman Jim Miller two years ago.
Jessica Kennedy, 28, is charged with shooting Miller and then burning his body in the trunk of his car.
Miller's body was found in July 2010 on Sands Road in Monroe County.
Investigators say Kennedy confessed to Miller's murder, but earlier this year her attorney filed to have that confession tossed out due to her mental issues.
Her attorney, John Eldridge, claims she was coerced to give a "false confession" and maintains she did not kill Miller.
Kennedy faces several charges, including felony murder, aggravated robbery and abuse of a corpse. The state is seeking a sentence of life without parole.
She was serving time in Meigs County for violating her probation when she was charged with Miller's murder.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Kennedy and Miller knew each other, but the nature of that relationship hasn't been disclosed.
Before jury selection started, Kennedy's attorney asked for another continuance. Special Judge Walter Kurtz said he had already continued the case three times and wouldn't agree to do it again.
The jury pool began at 42. Several people were excused during questioning because they have knowledge of the case. Some were excused after saying they would like Kennedy to testify. The sheriff's sister was also excused.
As the jury was being sworn-in Monday afternoon, there was an interruption and both sides had a private conversation with the judge. A bailiff said there was a legality issue with a witness, not a juror. However, it had to be dealt with before the jury is sworn in.
Judge Kurtz said the jurors will be sworn in Tuesday and will likely remain the same. Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Jessica Kennedy
Jim Miller (source: Daily News Express)
