Jury selection begins in Paul Edward Westbrooks Jr. murder case; judge grants state—9s motion in limine

Judge West began jury selection Friday in the murder prosecution of Paul Edward Westbrooks Jr., in Jefferson County's 252nd District Court, granted the State's motion in limine and had the defendant sign an election for the jury to assess punishment if there is a guilty verdict.

The court record shows the State's first motion in limine (dated April 22) was —granted in full,— Judge West said on the record, and the judge told counsel to approach the bench if either side later thought a previously excluded matter should become admissible. The judge also asked defense counsel to file a discovery certification and to electronically file the defendant's written election that the jury, not the judge, will assess punishment.

The hearing moved into extended voir dire. Judge West read the elements the State must prove beyond a reasonable…