Thursday, September 6, 2001
Attorneys want to get a pool of 37 potential jurors.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Attorneys are hoping to seat a jury by the end of the week in the capital murder case of a Champion man.
Attorneys have spent about six days questioning potential jurors for Stanley Adams' double-murder trial.
Court officials said the lawyers have selected 25 potential jurors but want a pool of 37. Once that pool is formed, 12 jurors and four alternatives will be chosen to hear the case.
Attorneys said they think a jury will be seated by late Friday and opening statements will begin Monday afternoon.
Adams faces charges of aggravated murder in the deaths of Esther Cook, 43, and her 12-year-old daughter, Ashley. Their bodies were found Oct. 11, 1999, in their Dickey Avenue home.
The charges carry specifications that the killings occurred in conjunction with other crimes. Adams also is charged with three counts of rape and one count each of kidnapping and aggravated burglary.
Possible death sentence: If convicted of all the charges, he could face the death penalty. Adams is being held in the county jail without bond.
Court officials said it will take about two weeks for both sides to present evidence.
Adams told the judge during a pretrial hearing in November that he wanted his case to be moved because he does not think he can get a fair trial in Trumbull County.
Judge Peter Kontos, however, ruled last week that he thinks a "fair and impartial" jury can be seated in the county.
Previous murder: Adams was convicted in October of the murder and rape of Roslyn Taylor, 40, of Poland Township on Aug. 6, 1999. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Officials don't know if Taylor knew Esther or Ashley Cook.
Authorities have described Adams as a self-employed auto mechanic who lived with the Cooks for a short time.
Adams has maintained his innocence in all three murders.