Jury selection opens in Beaumont for Paul Edward Westbrooks Jr. in two linked murder cases

Jury selection began in the 252nd District Court in Beaumont on Monday for Paul Edward Westbrooks Jr., who faces separate indictments in cause numbers 23 DCCR 0328 (capital murder) and 23 DCCR 0329 (murder), the judge told the courtroom. The judge also said the state has waived the death penalty in the capital case.

The two cases will be tried together and jurors were told they must reach separate verdicts for each charge and — if a guilty verdict is returned on the regular murder count — assess punishment. "He's charged by indictment in that case with the offense of capital murder. If he is found guilty in that case, the state has waived the death penalty," the judge said. Prosecutors told jurors the capital count alleges a killing that occurred April 10, 2023, in Jefferson County, Beaumont.

Why it matters: jurors were repeatedly reminded that the jury’s role is factfinding and that any conviction must be based on proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The two-part trial structure means jurors will consider guilt first and only hear additional evidence about punishment if the panel finds guilt on the regular murder…