About a dozen potential jurors were questioned Tuesday during jury selection in the David Martin murder trial

Staff report

WARREN

About a dozen potential jurors were questioned Tuesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court during jury selection in the David Martin murder trial.

They were asked whether news accounts of the case had caused them to form an opinion regarding Martin’s guilt or innocence and whether they were able to consider all of the potential punishments in the event that Martin is convicted.

Martin is accused of killing Jeremy Cole, 21, of Warren, and shooting at the back of the head of Melissa Putnam, 27, also of Warren, on Sept. 27, 2012, at Putnam’s home on Oak Street Southwest.

One potential punishment for Martin, 29, of Cleveland, is the death penalty. He also could get one of several possible life prison sentences.

Judge Andrew Logan and the attorneys for the prosecution and defense asked potential jurors how strongly they felt about the death penalty.

For example, one woman indicated on a questionnaire that she believes most or all murderers should get the death penalty, but she agreed in court Tuesday that she would be able to choose one of the nondeath sentences if it were warranted.

Under Ohio law, if Martin were convicted of murder and one of the circumstances that call for the death penalty, a penalty phase would take place.

In that phase, the defense would be allowed to present mitigating evidence to suggest why Martin’s life should be spared.

If the mitigating evidence outweighs the aggravating circumstances of the crime, the jury is instructed to refuse the death penalty.

Jury selection is expected to continue until at least Friday, followed by testimony likely to last another week.