Fewer than Half the Needed Jurors Seated on First Day of Fujita Trial

Ninety-two men and woman sat before Judge Peter Lauriat Monday answering questions designed to determine their impartiality should they be among the 16 jurors who will sit on the panel during Nathaniel Fujita's trial on charges that include first-degree murder.

Fujita, 20, is facing charges that he murdered his ex-girlfriend and fellow Wayland High School Class of 2011 graduate Lauren Astley in the summer of 2011. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery.

He appeared in the Middlesex Superior Courtroom Monday wearing a black suit, white shirt and tie. He conversed regularly with his attorney throughout the interview process and made some notes. His only acknowledgement of the courtroom audience, however, seemed to be early in the day when he was introduced to jurors gathered en masse in the courtroom. At that time, he glanced over the crowd, which included his parents as well as Lauren Astley's father, Malcolm; sighed audibly; and appeared to wipe his eyes.

By the end of a long day, it appeared the defense, led by attorney William Sullivan, and the prosecution, led by Lisa McGovern, had reached agreement on eight jurors, four men and four women.

But moments after the courtroom emptied, Lauriat returned to the bench and met briefly with attorneys from both sides and one of the male jurors who had been impaneled.

Sullivan explained after the conference that the juror had informed the court of transportation concerns and had, therefore, been excused from jury duty, leaving the total impaneled jurors after one day of interviews at seven -- four women and three men. Six jurors were impaneled before the lunch recess at 1:30 p.m.

Several of Lauriat's questions of potential jurors addressed the topic of the insanity defense and asked jurors whether they could remain impartial if Fujita's defense pursued the issue of criminal responsibility.

Even with the line of questioning, Sullivan would not comment on the likelihood of his pursuing that particular defense for his client. Sullivan did say that the start of the trial is an "emotional" experience for Fujita, though he would not comment further.

A pool of 70 potential jurors is expected to be interviewed Tuesday, with the hope that a full panel of 16 can be completed from that group.