Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bedford County, VA: Jury selection in Wesley Earnest trial begins Tuesday in Bedford Co.

BEDFORD CO. - More than two years and five trial dates later, Wesley Earnest is set to face a judge and jury.
The events leading up to tomorrow’s jury selection started December 20, 2007 at the Forest home Earnest once shared with his estranged wife Jocelyn.
When Jocelyn didn’t show up to meet a female co-worker the night before, that woman went to the home and used a hidden key to get in. She found Jocelyn dead on the floor.
Court records reveal Jocelyn was shot in the head. Investigators found a revolver and computer printed note near her body.
At an April 2008 hearing, prosecutors said Wesley Earnest’s fingerprints were on the note. Investigators believe he killed Jocelyn and tried to make it look like a suicide. The note mentions two people, Wesley Earnest and a “new love”.
Earnest’s attorney argued no one would name themselves in a fake suicide note. The female co-worker who found the body testified she was the new love in Jocelyn’s life.
There has also been argument over who the gun belonged to. Earnest’s attorney says Earnest bought the gun for his wife and left it when he moved out. A box for the gun was later found at the home of Earnest’s girlfriend.
The case has attracted tremendous attention over the last two years. Journalists are expected from all over Virginia and crews from NBC’s Dateline and 48 Hours on CBS are covering the trial.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.

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