Large jury pool called for UT murder trial

AUSTIN, Texas - Meechaiel Criner entered court Monday morning wearing a suit as jury selection got underway.

At times giving a smile and he even a quick wave when introduced to the first group that was called in.

Amir Hajimaleki, who was among those released, was troubled by Criner’s greeting. 

“I think the quick wave maybe, kind of a little careless, I feel like if I was in that situation, guilty or not, I think would be a little more concerned, it seemed like he was a little bit careless about it,” said Hajimaleki.

Three sets of more than 70 potential jurors have been called in this jury pool. The goal is to have 12 people in place -plus two alternates by Tuesday; Wednesday at the latest.

Judge David Wahlberg has warned of long days and said that he wants the case to go to the jury by the 20th. Defense Attorney Ariel Payan spoke to FOX7 Austin, before things got underway, and said the judge’s schedule puts a lot of pressure on them and on prosecutors.

“It’s going to be tough. But yeah I think we can get it done,” said Payan.

Criner is accused of killing UT student Haruka Weiser in April of 2016. Video was released before an arrest was made when police were trying to identify the man on the bike. He was seen near the area where Weiser’s body was found. Defense attorneys have indicated when the trial starts they will attack the importance of that video.

 "I don’t think the surveillance video shows as much as people think it does. So, his background is incredibly sad,” said Payan.

According to court records, Criner was in Austin after running away from foster care. His family says he suffers from a mental illness and believe those who eventually are selected for the jury should be aware of his condition.

A deal to avoid a trial was offered according to Defense attorneys- but it was for a life sentence which Criener rejected.

Payan and co-counsel Darla Davis will argue that police got the wrong man. Criner was taken into custody at an emergency homeless shelter for youth. Investigators said they recovered a laptop believed to be Weiser.

An important piece of evidence will not be presented when testimony starts.  DNA that was recovered by investigators has been ruled inadmissible because of problems processing it.