WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — WPTV is in the courtroom for day three of jury selection in the trial of Semmie Williams Jr., the man accused of killing 14-year-old Ryan Rogers in Palm Beach Gardens in November 2021.
WATCH: Jury selection process must start over
On Tuesday afternoon, the jury selection process came to a halt. Eleven jurors — eight women and three men — were selected but they ran out of potential jurors and need to select one more plus alternates on Wednesday.
The court is asking to reserve 60 jurors, and then the selection process must start over again.
Opening statements will now happen on Thursday.
A brief recess was called on Tuesday morning, so that Williams could talk to his attorneys about an issue with law enforcement. He claims he feels threatened by PBSO deputies in the jail and that they are coming into his cell, stealing things and interfering with his case.
"I know it sounds crazy but they have secret technology and they're sending electric signals," he said.
WPTV reached out to PBSO, who said they haven't heard any reports about mistreatment. We filed a records request in case Williams has filed any complaints.
JUDGE: We don't have the required number of jurors today
The defense questioned the jury, asking how they feel about the case involving the death of a child. One juror said they don’t particularly like children and can remain unbiased. Others said they might get emotional but could remain impartial.
The defense asked them if they knew of the term "gang stalking" before the judge cut in to call a half-hour break. After the break, two jurors said they have heard of the term.
Williams has asked to go into protective custody for the remainder of the trial, which they said would be discussed later.
Potential jurors were questioned Monday by Judge Cymonie S. Rowe, the prosecution and defense, to make sure they understand that the state does not need to prove that Rogers' murder was planned, or prove a motive — just that the defendant committed the act.
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