R. Kelly Sex Trial Moves Closer, Three Jurors Chosen

Only one day into jury selection, three people have already been chosen to serve among those who will decide the fate of Chicago R&B singer R.Kelly.

As previously reported, jury selection for the much-publicized child pornography case began yesterday, Monday May 12. According to The Chicago Sun-Times, Kelly was present along with his defense lawyers, Judge Vincent Gaughan, two prosecutors and a court reporter as the attorneys interviewed 16 potential jurors.

Thirteen people were dismissed by the end of the day, the remaining three included two African-Americans (man and woman) and one white man.

Potential jurors were questioned about their views regarding race, money and pornography, while also touching on media coverage of the case. Their previous exposure to R.Kelly and his music was also brought into question. Jurors were also asked whether they believed people with money fare better in the justice system.

The white juror, who is an executive for an unnamed company, said he believed his job would suffer if he was selected, but recognized he had a civic duty to serve. He told the courtroom that he believed Kelly was guilty, but that he could give him a fair trial.

"I have two little kids," the man said. "Child pornography is about as low as it gets."

Judge Gaughan asked him to look Kelly in the eye and promise him a fair trial, when he did so, Kelly nodded and mouthed, "all right."

The black male juror claimed not to know much about Kelly aside from his hit "I Believe I Can Fly." He also said he could give Kelly a fair trial, but admitted to seeing abuses on both sides of the justice system. His response to questions on his views about pornography, was simply, "I don't like going to 7-Eleven and seeing it."

The female juror selected is a resident of Olympia Fields, where the singer also lives, however she claimed not to have heard any local gossip about Kelly.

Lawyers are expected to take approximately a week to choose 12 jurors and four alternates to serve on the panel. Kelly is facing 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl as young as 13. He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15 years