Attorneys continue questioning potential jurors in Gibbs trial

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MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Attorneys have finished a second day of questioning about 90 potential jurors behind closed doors in the trial of a former jailer accused of killing Valley City State student Mindy Morgenstern.

Attorneys in the trial of Moe Gibbs asked jurors about confidential responses to some of the 185 questions they had answered earlier on such topics as race, DNA evidence, graphic evidence about Morgenstern's death and how much they may already know about the case.

Jury questionnaires in other cases are much less extensive than the one used in the Gibbs case, said Jack McDonald, an attorney for the North Dakota Newspaper Association and the North Dakota Broadcasters Association.

The 39-page questionnaire asked potential jurors such things as whether they knew anyone who had been the victim of a violent crime and whether they could objectively evaluate graphic testimony about injuries and photographs that will be submitted into evidence. Authorities said Morgenstern was strangled with a belt and her throat was cut by two knives found at the scene.

The questionnaire also sought to find out what the potential jurors know about the case and if they would have any problems deciding a case involving a black defendant. Gibbs is black and the potential jury panel is mostly white.

The potential jurors were asked about the newspapers they read, television shows they watch and the meaning behind any bumper stickers or personalized plates on their vehicles.

They also were asked whether they have read any books, magazines or articles about DNA analysis, which is expected to be an issue in the case.

Southeast Judicial District Judge John Paulson closed the start of jury selection Tuesday. The process is expected to continue through Friday.

Gibbs, 34, is facing a Class AA felony murder charge in the death of Morgenstern, 22, of New Salem. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life without parole.

Gibbs lived in the same apartment building as Morgenstern, who was found dead in her off-campus apartment last Sept. 13.

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