LAKEPORT — Attorneys picked the regular jurors for the Paul W. Braden jury Thursday but still need to select the alternates.
Braden, 21, of Clearlake Oaks is one of two men facing murder and other charges for allegedly shooting into a crowd of people gathered at a Clearlake home June 18, killing Skyler Rapp, 4, and injuring five others.
Braden and his co-defendant — Orlando J. Lopez, 24, of Clearlake Oaks — have pleaded not guilty to 15 felonies and have denied dozens of special allegations. Both remain in custody at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility.
The two men are standing trial in the same courtroom but have different lawyers and will have separate juries.
Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson and Braden”s lawyer, Doug Rhoades, have worked this week to pick the first jury.
The parties selected 12 regular jurors Thursday at the Lake County Courthouse and plan to spend today choosing eight alternates, according to Anderson.
Lopez and his lawyer, Stephen Carter, are scheduled to pick the second jury once the entire Braden jury is seated.
Before jury selection began Thursday, Anderson, Rhoades and Judge Doris L. Shockley discussed whether Braden should be restrained during the trial.
The issue arose because the prosecution alleged Braden misbehaved in jail and crafted an escape plot.
Defendants who remain in custody during their trials typically are not restrained during the proceedings because of concerns it might prejudice jurors.
Anderson submitted evidence to the court of 10 instances during which Braden reportedly violated jail rules.
He also said another inmate, Daniel Loyd, told DA investigators that Braden developed a plan to break out of custody.
“This is not speculation ? this is a plot to escape the jail,” Anderson said.
Rhoades opposed the request and questioned the credibility and motives of Loyd, who is also in jail facing a murder charge.
Anderson said Loyd came forward on his own and received no deal for his case.
Shockley determined there was a need to restrain Braden in the courtroom, basing her decision primarily on security concerns.
Braden is set to wear a “hobble,” a device that attaches to the leg underneath the pants. It locks into place whenever the wearer”s knee straightens, preventing the leg from bending and limiting mobility, according to jail staff.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
