Apr 18, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – The gathering of potential jurors slated to hear the federal case against a local man charged with killing two Connellsville residents and an unborn child, passed the halfway mark on Wednesday. Minerd, 46, of Bullskin Township is charged with malicious destruction of property by means of fire and explosion and causing the Jan. 1, 1999, deaths of his estranged girlfriend Deana Kay Mitts and her 3-year-old daughter, Kayla Ashley Mitts. Deana Kay Mitts was pregnant with the couple’s child at the time of her death.

U.S. Senior District Judge Maurice Cohill, who will oversee the death penalty case against Minerd, commended the prosecution and defense in its efforts to efficiently screen the candidates.

“It has been a good day,” Cohill said following nearly seven hours of interviews with the 11 men and seven women selected by the court to appear on Wednesday.

Ten candidates were retained from the session and will join the 23 others selected this week.

The tedious screening effort is required by the law in cases where the death penalty is being sought by the prosecution.

Although the penalty phase would follow a conviction, the court must interview all potential jurors prior to determining guilt or innocence to determine their views on the punishment.

Minerd is charged under the same federal statute used to prosecute Timothy McVey who was sentenced to die for the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma. The blast killed 168 people.

Police allege Minerd rigged a pipe bomb in Mitts’ 504 McCormick Ave. apartment that exploded just minutes after she and her daughter entered the residence.

According to records, this is the first death penalty case in 40 years to be held at the U.S. Courthouse.

Several months ago the court issued 400 questionnaires to individuals living in the 13 counties that represent the U.S. Western District Court.

The 89-questions contained within the 19-page document asked the candidate’s views on the death penalty and overall law enforcement practices along with inquiring of personal information.

Cohill has ordered 20 respondents to appear daily to undergo further scrutiny by assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Shaun E. Sweeney, who is prosecuting the case, and defense counsel, attorneys Jay T. McCamic and Richard Kammen.

One female juror was excused from the procedure Wednesday after she allegedly made “inappropriate remarks” as the other individuals gathered in the jury room.

During the opening session, Cohill said he had been informed of the statements and dismissed the woman. A male juror who attended the joint morning meeting of the candidates did not appear later for an individual interview. There was no information given concerning his departure.

Because the undisclosed statements were made within the confines of the jury room, Cohill questioned each of those that admitted hearing the comments to assure their ability to remain impartial in the case.

“This is an unusual start,” Cohill said.

Cohill said a pool of 64 potential jurors would be selected of which a 12-member jury panel will be chosen to hear the federal case. Four alternates will also be selected from the pool.

Of those dismissed Wednesday, two said they would be unable to impose the death penalty, while one candidate indicated that those convicted of murder should be put to death.

Others cited religious beliefs and family responsibilities in requesting dismissal from the jury.

Cohill has instructed the media not to report the names or comments of those interviewed by the prosecution and defense for the jury panel. Additionally, he has imposed a gag order on all those involved in the case.