Nine possible jurors retained in Smart kidnap trial

SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly every Utah juror questioned on the first day of the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping trial said they knew about the case and believed the man charged was likely responsible.

Jury selection began Monday in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City for the trial of Brian David Mitchell on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor.

Seventeen of about 220 prospective jurors questioned said they had seen media coverage of the case and could recite various details of Smart's 2002 knifepoint abduction. They also could recite details of her nine months of captivity and her recovery after being found with Mitchell in March 2003.

Defense attorneys argued jurors had predetermined Mitchell's guilt.

Judge Dale Kimball ended the day with nine potential jurors retained and eight released.

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