Fate Lies in Their Hands

The jury selection process began Tuesday in the murder trial of Cory J. Rocker and Metterio D. Banks.

The young men are charged with first-degree murder in the 2008 shooting death of  18-year-old Brennon Darvane Days.

Days was found slumped over in his car with a gunshot wound to the head.

Banks and Rocker were arrested at their homes in Largo, FL shortly after the incident.   Due to the abundant amount of witnesses at the scene, it was apparently easy to identify the boys.

Banks and Metterrio were juveniles when the murder took place.  Investigators believe all parties involved knew each other, but to what extent isn’t perfectly clear.  Authorities also believe the boys were in the process of robbing Days when the shooting occurred.

Although only 12 jurors will stay out of the large pool, Judge Philip J Federico peppered them with questions regarding their general disposition to the case.

He asked them questions about their involvement in prior criminal court proceedings and civil cases.  He also asked jurors to raise their hands if they had any sentiments towards the details of the trial.

“We’re trying to get 12 folks who will be fair and impartial,” said Federico.

At least 25 percent of the jurors had a reason why they couldn’t sit for the trial.  One young man couldn’t find a babysitter, while another woman has to care for her cancer-stricken husband.

“So, you’d be willing to serve, but it would be very inconvenient?” said Federico.

On the other side of the room, spectators packed the section marked for the public.  It’s certain that Rocker and Banks had friends, family and probably a few enemies in attendance.

The closest bailiff shushed the noisy public section repeatedly as they whispered back and forth about the case.

Federico coincidentally is the same judge that presided over Nick Hogan’s trial back in June of 2008.

As soon as the jurors are picked, it’s game time for the judge.  Federico has to give Days the justice that he didn’t get when he was shot dead.

The selected jurors will be given the ultimate test of time – deciding the fate of two young men who may never see the Largo again.