Sep 10, 2008 7:32 pm US/Eastern
Jury Seated In Michael Hernandez Trial
He's Accused Of Killing A Schoolmate At Southwood Middle School Four Years Ago.
ORLANDO (CBS4) ―
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Michael Hernandez at his murder trial in Orlando as jury selection gets underway on Sept. 8, 2008. Hernandez is accused of killing his classmate Jaime Gough in a bathroom at Southwood Middle School in 2004.
CBS
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Jamie Gough was stabbed to death in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in February, 2004.
CBS4 News
A jury has been seated in the trial of South Florida teenager, Michael Hernandez, who is accused of killing his 14-year-old friend in a middle school bathroom. The last few jurors were being chosen Wednesday and opening statements are scheduled for Thursday.
The high-profile trial is not taking place in Miami; it's taking place in Orlando. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge John Schlesinger decided to transfer Michael Hernandez's trial from Miami because of relentless media coverage.
The 18-year-old was 14 at the time of the murder. He faces life in prison if convicted of the 2004 killing of Jaime Gough in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School. Gough was stabbed more than 40 times.
A journal later recovered by police showed that Hernandez carefully planned the slaying and had a "hit list" that included another student and his older sister.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty because of insanity.
Lawyers for Hernandez turned down a plea deal offered by prosecutors last week which would have given Hernandez a 40-year prison term. The attorney's turned down the offer because they were seeking a prison term of no more than 30-years.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Double Homicide In NW Miami-Dade
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