More than 100 Wayne County residents gathered at Wayne Community Schools on Monday as jury selection got underway in the murder trial of Carl F. Ruskamp.
Ruskamp is facing several charges in connection with the shooting death of his father, 65-year old Gerald Ruskamp on Sept. 7, 2022.
The morning began with a video explaining different types of trials and what is expected of jurors.
District Court Judge Michael Long then addressed the potential jurors and said being a juror "is one of the highest civil responsibilities of a citizen."
Judge Long then listed the charges against Carl F. Ruskamp, including first degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Carl Ruskamp has pled no guilty and not responsible by reason of insanity to the charges.
Judge Long then asked a number of questions to the entire group of jurors including whether or not they were over 19 years of age; whether they were summoned by their proper name; whether they were citizens of the U.S.; where they were residents of Wayne County and whether they were able to read, speak and understand the English language.
Both the prosecution and the defense, along with Judge Long, then interviewed a number of the potential jurors individually.
The trial for Carl Ruskamp could last up to two weeks. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 100 years.
