Jury selection begins in State v. Tracy Marie Samuel murder trial at 252nd District Court

Jury selection opened Monday in the murder trial of Tracy Marie Samuel before the 252nd District Court in Jefferson County. Samuel is indicted on a Sept. 27, 2023, charge alleging she “intentionally and knowingly” shot and killed Delbert Charles Lewis, prosecutors said in court.

Presiding Judge told prospective jurors the court handles only felony cases and explained key legal principles, including the presumption of innocence and the state’s burden to prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. “Our law provides that all persons are presumed innocent,” the Presiding Judge said, reminding the panel that if the state fails to meet its burden the jury must acquit.

The case will be tried in two phases if there is a guilty verdict: a guilt‑innocence phase followed by a punishment phase. The judge told jurors the punishment range for the charged offense is “a minimum five years in prison up to 99 years or life,” and that jurors would decide punishment if they returned a guilty verdict.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Nichols and Ashley Molfino appeared for the state; defense attorney Joel Vasquez represented Samuel. Prosecutors told the panel they expect testimony from Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and evidence-collection staff who responded to and investigated the shooting. Deputy and detective names mentioned in voir dire included Detective Mark Holmes and deputies Barry Lege, Tim Norris and Jordan Silva; evidence custodian Sue Kelly was also identified as a likely witness.

Prospective jurors were asked a range of background questions. The judge and attorneys probed for personal experiences with violent crime, prior jury service and other matters that could affect impartiality. Several prospective jurors disclosed family members or close acquaintances who had been killed or injured in violent incidents; the court told those jurors they could request a private meeting if they preferred not to discuss the matter in the full panel.

Defense counsel focused voir dire on the elements the state must prove, pressing jurors on whether they could require proof that the killing was intentional and knowing rather than accidental. Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the charge and asked about jurors’ ability to follow instructions on law and evidence. The judge warned prospective jurors not to research the case or discuss it outside the courtroom.

After the public questioning the judge called a short recess and scheduled private follow-ups with jurors who had asked to speak separately. The court told the panel it expects the trial to last about a week and asked jurors to remain available for that period.

Next steps: the court will complete individual follow-ups, the parties will exercise peremptory strikes and the final jury and alternates will be selected before opening statements.