The trial was originally set to begin this morning. Two more jurors were chosen yesterday from a panel of 40, bringing the total to 12 regular jurors and three alternates. Normally, four alternates are required, but Judge James Fitzgerald wanted the trial to begin as soon as possible, Ziller said. Opening statements were heard from the defense and the prosecution, which is headed by Assistant District Attorney Roger King. The first two witnesses were also heard, Ziller added. Defendant Anthony Archer, 17, will be tried for first degree murder, while defendant Gregory Pennington, also 17, will be tried for second degree murder. Archer's maximum sentence would be the death penalty. Pennington could receive life in prison without the possibility for parole. The jury will be sequestered for the entire one-to-two week duration of the trial. Ziller added that a bus for students interested in attending the trial will leave every day at 9:30 a.m. from in front of the David Rittenhouse Laboratory. – Jenny Axt
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