Mario McNeill Maintains Innocent Plea; Trial Moves Forward

Tuesday morning inside Cumberland County's courtroom 4A, Mario McNeill maintained his innocent plea, turning down a life sentence offered to him on Monday by proscutors.

After his lawyer "Butch" Pope spoke on his behalf, it was determined that the case would proceed to a jury trial, which could end in a death sentence if McNeill is convicted on charges of raping and killing 5-year-old Shaniya Davis in 2009.

At 9:35a.m. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Jim Ammons brought in 28 juror candidates, and 12 were called into the jury box for questioning.

"We are looking for 12 folks who can be completely fair and impartial in trying this case," said Judge Ammons.

Of the 12 prospective jurors, 10 were female, 2 were male. One hour later, following a detailed interrogation from the questionnaires, Assistant District Attorney Robbie Hicks excused one female candidate. 

The juror candidate released was a black female who retired from a 25-year civil service career at Fort Bragg. As a U.S. Air Force veteran of four years, she has a Bachelor's degree in creative writing and currently serves as a middle school teacher. The woman is obtaining a Master's degree at Fayetteville State University.

The other jury candidates in the box all had agreed that there were no extenuating circumstances in their past, or their family history that could cloud their judgement that would affect the case. Many of the jurors are longtime Fayetteville residents with established families in the area, while others have anchored roots in Fayetteville as a result of the military.

One U.S. Army officer from Fort Bragg sat in the jury box and spoke about his time as an enlisted supply sergeant originally from the D.C. area. With 17 years of service under his belt, he is nearing the final three years in his military career. He stated that he is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and and avid recreational league basketball and football player.

Judge Ammons explained that any jurors selected Tuesday would not have to report back for two weeks while the other selections are made, and that they can return to their normal life with restrictions.

The trial is expected to last for six to eight weeks and will be conducted Monday through Thursday, with most Fridays off to allow the legal teams and jurors one day to catch up in their regular work routines.

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