February 23rd: Federal Trial Day 2 Voir Dire

·

Section 1: Summary

  • Date: February 23, 2026
  • Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division (with Dallas overflow courtroom seating 88 people)
  • Case: Prairieland Federal Trial — Day 2
  • Judge: Mark Pittman
  • Prosecution: Shawn Smith (lead), plus prosecution team
  • Defense Attorneys Present:
    • Cody Cofer and James Luster (Autumn Hill)
    • Patrick McClain (Zachary Evetts)
    • Phillip Hayes (Benjamin “Champagne” Song)
    • Chris Tolbert (Savanna Batten)
    • J. Warren St. John (Meagan Morris)
    • MarQuetta A. Clayton (Maricela Rueda)
    • Harmony Schuerman and Blake Ryan Burns (Elizabeth Soto)
    • Leigh Davis (Ines Soto)
    • Christopher Weinbel (Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada)
    • Federal Public Defenders also present
  • Defendants Present: All nine defendants present. Note-taker observed Ines Soto and Liz Soto sitting together.
  • Type of Proceeding: Jury selection (voir dire)

Key Takeaways

  • A jury of 12 plus 2 alternates was selected. Two panels of 50 prospective jurors were questioned over the full day. Selected Jurors: 6, 11, 13, 17, 23, 29, 34, 36, 38, 39, 43, 46; Alternates: 52, 53. (Note: the livestream cut out at 4:29 PM during the reading of selected jurors, so some note-takers missed the full list.)
  • Judge Pittman conducted all voir dire himself. Defense attorney MacLean moved for counsel to conduct voir dire; the judge overruled the motion. Cofer submitted additional questions; the judge denied them.
  • Trial is expected to last 2.5 to 3 weeks, with completion anticipated by March 11.
  • Next court date: 8:30 AM, February 24, 2026 (tomorrow). Government will begin its case, starting with the incident itself and then other witnesses.
  • Defense moved to add strikes to the record. Judge said he would think about it and get back tomorrow. He noted this is not something they do on a regular basis.
  • A note about a plea hearing Song’s attorney, Hayes, moved to have the presentencing reports of those who took plea deals to be made available to the defense citing the possibility of exculpatory evidence being in them. This was granted by the judge Tuesday AM. appeared in the notes — “cut the time in half” — with the note-taker asking “what does this have to do with Champagne?” Context unclear from notes.
  • Judge still mispronouncing Mari (Maricela Rueda)’s name.

Narrative Summary

Opening and Preliminary Matters

The day began with a government witness roll call. The court ordered that most witnesses will be sequestered (a rule requiring witnesses to stay out of the courtroom when not testifying, so they are not influenced by other testimony), with an exception for the lead case officer. Expert witnesses were given sequester privilege (meaning they may remain in the courtroom). Witnesses were warned to avoid media and social media coverage of the case.

The defendants were brought in and the first jury panel (jurors #1 through #50) was seated.

Judge Pittman’s Opening Remarks

Judge Pittman delivered an extended opening to the jury pool, touching on several themes he has repeated across proceedings:

  • He referenced his “policing of the small things” in this case — the local counsel rule, discovery motions, a demonstrative during voir dire, and a t-shirt.
  • Key quote (J): “Politics stop at the courthouse door.”
  • Key quote (J): “It’s become a joke, something people try to get out of. We don’t have compulsory military service anymore, but this is just as important as if we were at war and you were serving.”
  • He quoted Frederick Douglass and referenced Thomas Jefferson.
  • He referenced a trial from the 1930s, stating that without it “there would be no great society and no Vietnam War.” (One note-taker asked: “Is he saying the Vietnam War was a good thing?”)
  • He used a recurring college rivalry analogy (Aggies vs. UT) to discuss putting divisions aside.
  • He told jurors: “You will not be asked to bring a verdict based on approval or disapproval of the president.”
  • He told jurors the case is a criminal trial regarding alleged events at an ICE detention facility in Alvarado, TX, on July 4, 2025. Nine defendants have pled not guilty. Fourteen jurors will be seated (12 plus 2 alternates).
  • He explained that an indictment does not equal evidence, the presumption of innocence, the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendants’ Fifth Amendment right not to testify.

Witness and Attorney Introductions (Panel 1)

The prosecution team, led by Shawn Smith, read its witness list to check for conflicts. One juror, #18, recognized the name Lynette Sharp — describing her as “a cat foster from Saving Hope” who was involved in “shooting up a detention center” / “shooting up an ICE facility.”

Each defense team then introduced itself and read any witness lists:

  • Cody Cofer (Autumn Hill): Juror #42 recognized attorney James Luster from serving on a previous jury (a 2025 municipal jury selection).
  • Patrick McClain (Zachary Evetts), Phillip Hayes (Benjamin Song), Chris Tolbert (Savanna Batten), J. Warren St. John (Meagan Morris), MarQuetta Clayton (Maricela Rueda), Harmony Schuerman (Elizabeth Soto), Leigh Davis (Ines Soto), Christopher Weinbel (Daniel Sanchez Estrada), and Federal Public Defenders all introduced themselves and read witness lists. No further conflicts were identified.

No one in the jury pool recognized Judge Pittman.

Voir Dire — Panel 1 (Jurors #1–50)

Undue hardship claims:

  • #30 — Financial hardship, new job after unemployment. Judge noted she cannot be fired for jury service.
  • #45 — Traveling overseas on March 1.
  • #3 — Has a 3-month-old and 6-year-old; childcare logistics.
  • #37 — Doctoral student with PhD defense scheduled March 6.
  • #7 — Managing a 4.5-year project hiring 500 employees; will not lose income.
  • #40 — On worker’s comp with doctor’s appointments.
  • #14 — Special education teacher; substitute cannot provide dyslexia instruction.
  • #28 — Potential out-of-state interview; recent job loss.
  • #32 — Child custody case.
  • #48 — On probation for DWI.

Disability/illness:

  • #21 — Two neurodivergent kids she homeschools; sole homeschool provider.
  • #40 — Doctor’s appointments (already noted above).

Media coverage of the shooting:

  • #18 — Looked up the story after hearing about Lynette Sharp. Said he would not be biased.
  • #44 — Seen coverage on news. Would not be biased.
  • #5 — Seen several news stories about incidents; noted constitutional right of protesters and that officers protect the facility. Could be unbiased.
  • #7 — Seen media coverage. Could be unbiased.
  • #21 — Seen pieces of news coverage.
  • #23 — Saw news headlines. Unbiased.
  • #37 — General news report. Unbiased.
  • #47 — Read about mistrial; has relatives who worked on the border. Could not be completely unbiased.
  • #48 — “Hard to be fair to the ones being charged — remember when it happened — doesn’t agree with targeting ‘that place.’”
  • #40 — Helped build Prairieland (poured concrete).
  • #26 — Seen coverage. Impartial.

Prior jury service:

  • #29 — Civil trial jury, insurance case, Tarrant County, 3-4 years ago, defense verdict.
  • #5 — Federal criminal case, Nevada, homicide/murder, did not complete service before verdict.
  • #7 — Civil case, Tarrant County, insurance, mistrial.
  • #50 — Civil case, lease dispute, found for plaintiff.
  • #49 — Federal case, Dallas, homicide, guilty verdict, approximately 30 years ago.
  • #27 — State case, domestic violence, not guilty verdict.

Law enforcement connections: No jurors were employed as law enforcement. Several had family/friend connections:

  • #44 — Niece is military police; grandfather was chief of police in Arizona.
  • #4 — Close friend, former Houston PD.
  • #47 — Best friend in law enforcement; family members served on the border.
  • #26 — Best friend is Fort Worth PD.
  • #27 — Friends with Michigan university campus police.
  • #12 — Dad retired from Arlington PD SWAT.
  • #14 — Close friendship with a cop/investigator; weekly contact.
  • #32 — Aunt works for NSA.

ICE experiences: No one in Panel 1 reported direct negative or positive experience with ICE.

Positive experience with law enforcement:

  • #32 — A cop helped him get gas when he was with his daughter. Not biased.
  • #30 — Professional relationship as a child welfare/CPS worker. Not biased.

Antifa:

  • #18 — “The term is misused. It means anti-fascist. Most Americans should be antifascist.” (Categorized as a terrorist organization.)
  • #35 [Note: number struck through in notes] — 29 years in U.S. military. Does not approve of “terrorist” group tearing it down. Biased.
  • #47 — Church security team, trains against protesters. Biased. “We trained against similar events that happened.” Hard to put aside.

Strong feelings about ICE:

  • #32 — Irritation with ICE; daughter is half Mexican; wishes things were different but justifies ICE. Can be unbiased.
  • #25 — “Have heard a lot about it online… people don’t feel safe around ICE… everyone should be treated equally and humanely.” Can put aside.

Criminal history (juror or family):

  • #29 — Father incarcerated (meth), most of his life. Unbiased.
  • #32 — Sister charged with credit card fraud.
  • #25 — Dad taken to local jail approximately 5 years ago, allegedly attacked a cop. Mental illness/dementia involved. Not targeted by cops. Can put aside.

Protest participation:

  • #18 — No Kings protest, anti-ICE protest.
  • #21 — Multiple protests related to current administration; airport Muslim ban protests.
  • #5 — Labor protests (worked for an airline); parents protested in the civil rights movement (ostracized in their neighborhood).
  • #8 — March for Life.
  • #25 — Women’s marches.

Transgender bias:

  • #7 — Believes that trans people are mentally ill. Would be skeptical of them. Said he could put it aside.

Political affiliation and violence: No one responded.

Firearms: No one expressed strong feelings.

Fair and impartial:

  • #20 — General bias regarding weapons charges at a federal facility. Feels intent to harm and disrupt. “No reason to have a firearm in a federal facility.” Found it hard to put feelings aside.

Attorney Discussion Period (Panel 1)

After the initial round of questioning, attorneys were given an opportunity to suggest additional questions:

  • Cofer (Autumn Hill): Requested that the court ask about Texas Ranger murals in the courtroom causing potential bias, and about firearms at protests.
  • McClain (Evetts): Requested questions about guilt by association and varying culpability.
  • Hayes, Tolbert, St. John, Clayton, Davis, and FPDs: No additional requests.
  • Schuerman/Burns (Liz Soto): Requested a clarification question — unclear from notes.

The court ruled that all objections and requests would apply to all defendants unless a team opted out. Five minutes was given for a break.

Additional questions asked:

Deferred adjudication:

  • #30 — Deferred from two felony charges as a juvenile. Can be unbiased. Came from a crime-riddled neighborhood; worked hard to get where she is.
  • #44 — Civil rights restored after a federal conviction (selling weed). “Helped him grow up.” Can set aside.
  • #22 — Husband had deferred adjudication before they got married. Can set aside.

Texas Ranger paintings: Judge asked if the Texas Ranger paintings in the courtroom (depicting arresting and taking in outlaw Sam Bass) would create bias toward law enforcement. No one expressed concern.

Guilt by association: No one expressed issues.

Firearms while protesting: No one expressed issues.

Individual Questioning and Strikes for Cause (Panel 1)

Three jurors were brought back for individual questioning:

  • #20 — Questioned further about firearms at a federal facility. Compared it to not bringing a firearm to a bar. Said “it’s hard because it makes no sense.” Expressed difficulty putting feelings aside.
  • #44 — Questioned about law enforcement family. Grandfather was Chief of Police. Said he would follow the law. Note-taker recorded: “Not strong case” for striking.
  • #30 — Social worker. Asked about favoring law enforcement. Stated: “I do have a bias, they’ve backed me up.” Also noted she just started a new job on Thursday.

Livestream cut from 12:37 to 12:51 PM — strikes were exercised during this gap.

Judge struck for cause (Panel 1): #3, #7, #18, #20, #21, #30, #32, #35, #37, #40, #42, #45, #47, #48

Note: There was some disagreement on strikes. The prosecution objected to striking #14 and #5, citing Cofer. The defense objected to the striking of #42 (was dozing off), #21, #5, #48, and #32.

After for-cause strikes, the government received 9 total peremptory strikes. Each defendant received 2 peremptory strikes. A 30-minute lunch break was taken; court reconvened at 1:30 PM.

Voir Dire — Panel 2 (Jurors #51–100+)

Judge Pittman gave the same opening speech to Panel 2. He brought up that “Kangaroo Courts” are in totalitarian and communist countries.

Livestream cut from 1:47 to 1:50 PM.

Undue hardship claims (Panel 2):

  • #84 — Cancer screening appointment on Friday.
  • #55 — Branch banker; salary with no bonus.
  • #69 — Flying overseas March 15.
  • #62 — Clerical/land surveying work will fall behind.
  • #92 — Private practice therapist, self-employed.
  • #58 — Foundation; no pay if not working.
  • #97 — Two small children; father-in-law having surgery next week.
  • #54 — Husband has chronic pancreatitis; does not drive.
  • #75 — Husband has congestive heart failure.

Witness conflict check: No conflicts in Panel 2.

Law enforcement connections (Panel 2): No jurors employed as LEOs.

  • #54 — Friends with retired police officers. Respect for law enforcement. Could put aside.
  • #78/#79 — Best friend’s father, 25 years Irving PD. Could put aside.
  • #55 — Brother in police force [noted as “Wiley” — unclear]. Could put aside.
  • #56 — Husband’s aunt, retired sheriff.
  • #57 — Nephew is officer and detective in Dallas. Not biased.
  • #86 — Specially questioned by judge since he is an attorney; asked about feelings on law enforcement.
  • #76 — Close friend, police officer in Azle. Can put aside.
  • #64 — Friend, Fort Worth police officer. Can put aside.
  • #63 — Father-in-law and brother-in-law in Austin jail system.
  • #100 — Cousin married to Fort Worth police officer.

Texas Ranger murals: No bias expressed.

Negative experience with law enforcement:

  • #60 — Got in trouble at age 19 (criminal mischief, bodily harm). Expunged. Was hanging out at an abandoned building. Later noted: was charged in connection with the torching of a plastic factory; experienced guilt by association. Cops harassed her, mocked her Wiccan beliefs, kept her in a cell by herself.

Charged or convicted of a crime:

  • #75 — Possession of a controlled substance, 1999. Deferred. Now helps others. Doesn’t bias her.
  • #90 — Credit card fraud / debit card abuse. Deferred. Doesn’t bias him.

ICE feelings (Panel 2):

  • No one reported direct negative or positive experience with ICE.
  • #55 — Immigrant, in favor of legal immigration.
  • #72 — “ICE enforcing the law, interfering with this is not a good thing.” Claims could be unbiased.
  • #86 — Attorney who does pro bono asylum/removal defense work; corporate M&A attorney by day. Can be impartial.
  • #75 — Originally pro-ICE, but friends and adult children have been detained by ICE; views changed. Can be impartial.

Media coverage:

  • #54 — Heard of it. Wouldn’t be influenced.
  • #59 — Saw it on the news when it happened last summer.

Antifa:

  • #82 — Strong negative feelings about Antifa. “Direct action, assault on law enforcement.” Said he can put it aside.

Protest participation (Panel 2):

  • #51 — Attended every No Kings protest. Anti-Trump. Can put aside.
  • #67 — Pro-life protests as a child. Chicano student group advocacy (MEChA). Fair and impartial.
  • #70 — Protested apartment eviction to reclaim belongings. Wanted to attend No Kings protests. Can be impartial. “It might make me cry, but I could be unbiased.”
  • #60 — Animal rights protest. Unbiased.
  • #92 — Black Lives Matter, No Kings, Women’s March. No anti-ICE activity. Strong feelings against administration. Can put aside.
  • #68/#108 — Grew up in apartheid South Africa; participated in protests and boycotts against apartheid. Can be impartial.

Transgender bias (Panel 2): No one in Panel 2 expressed bias against transgender people regarding violence, firearms, rights, or credibility as a witness.

Firearms at protests:

  • #59 — Believes in protest, but no guns at a protest. Could put aside.
  • #55 — Agrees; people get out of hand at protests.

Guilt by association: No one expressed issues.

Outside influence:

  • A juror (#32 from Panel 2) reported that a pamphlet was shoved into their hands. They crumpled it up and handed it to an officer. The crumpled paper will be entered into the record for appellate purposes.

Political affiliation and violence:

  • #79 — Extremists on both sides give a bad name; might be more violent.
  • #54 — Too extreme on either side may cause violence.

Individual Questioning and Strikes for Cause (Panel 2)

#60 was questioned individually about her criminal history from age 19. Other jurors were excused during this questioning.

Livestream cut from 3:14 to 3:20 PM.

Additional motions noted:

  • Cofer submitted questions — Judge denied.
  • MacLean moved for counsel to conduct voir dire — overruled by Judge.

#32 was struck for cause (the juror who received the pamphlet). The crumpled pamphlet will be entered into the record for appellate purposes.

Livestream cut from 3:30 to 3:38 PM.

Judge struck for cause (Panel 2): #55, #58, #59, #60, #82, #84, #92, #97

The prosecution objected to striking #55 and #59, arguing both said they could be impartial. The judge explained: #55 would lose her bonus, creating hardship; #59 said she doesn’t believe in guns at protests.

The prosecution moved to strike #60 (the juror with criminal history). Judge agreed.

The defense (Burns) moved to strike #54 based on law enforcement ties. The prosecution opposed. Tolbert also raised #54’s law enforcement connections. The judge initially did not find it biasing. However, #54 was brought back and questioned about transportation — her husband has pancreatitis and is her ride. She said she could “figure it out.” Judge ultimately struck #54 for cause based on the hardship.

Final for-cause strikes (Panel 2): #54, #55, #58, #59, #60, #82, #84, #92, #97

Attorneys then exercised peremptory strikes. Through juror #57 for primary strikes; no extra strikes for alternates. A 20-minute break was given for lawyers to confer.

Jury Selection Complete

Livestream cut from 4:29 to 4:43 PM — the reading of the final jury was largely missed by note-takers.

When the livestream returned, 12 jurors and 2 alternates were being sworn in and receiving instructions not to follow media coverage.

Selected juror numbers (from HR notes, which captured the most complete list):

  • Jurors: 6, 11, 13, 17, 23, 29, 34, 36, 38, 39, 43, 46
  • Alternates: 52, 53

Note: Other note-takers confirmed 6, 11, 13, 17 but missed the rest due to the livestream cut. The full list from HR is the most complete record, though it is unclear whether all note-takers were able to verify the complete list.

Self-identified Republicans in the pool (from HR notes): 2, 8, 9, 24, 26, 41, 44. (Unclear from notes whether any of these ended up on the final jury.)

Post-Selection Matters

  • The government gave the jury a copy of the indictment, to be taken back after arraignment.
  • Defense moved to add the strike list to the record. Judge does not want to do that but said he would think about it. “Not something they do on a regular basis.”
  • Defense moved to have juror numbers entered into the record. Judge will consider.
  • Judge said he would look at “Mr. Song’s motion” — unclear from notes what this motion concerned.
  • The government indicated it will start its case with “the attack” and then call other witnesses. The government was described as “mad” and accused the defense of trying to take away flexibility in witness order.
  • Judge noted “there is a different way of doing things in Fort Worth.”

Next Court Date

8:30 AM, February 24, 2026. Trial proceedings expected to begin with opening statements and/or government witnesses.

Incidents and Atmosphere

  • Pamphlet incident: A pamphlet was shoved into a juror’s hands outside the courtroom (Panel 2, juror #32). The juror crumpled it up and gave it to an officer. This pamphlet will be entered into the appellate record.
  • Dallas overflow room: Some note-takers observed from the Dallas overflow courtroom, where 88 people could be seated. Multiple livestream cuts occurred throughout the day (10:30 AM, 12:37 PM, 1:47 PM, 3:14 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:29 PM), causing gaps in coverage.
  • Judge still mispronouncing Maricela (Mari) Rueda’s name.
  • Defendants: Note-taker JK observed that Ines Soto and Liz Soto were sitting together.
  • Mention of a plea hearing: One note-taker (HR, PM) recorded “Plea hearing — cut the time in half — what does this have to do with Champagne?” This is unclear from the notes and may warrant follow-up.

Section 2: Full Notes

Note-Taker HR — AM Session

Jury Selection The judge brings up his policing of the small things:

  • local counsel rule
  • discovery motions
  • demonstrative during voir dire
  • t-shirt “Politics stop at the courthouse door” If that trial in the 30s didn’t happen “there would be no great society and no Vietnam War” – Is he saying the Vietnam War was a good thing?

88 people can be seated in Dallas

“Going back to the Bible” -Jury? Frederick Douglass reference again 2.5-3 weeks March 11th 1-50

*Undue hardship? 30 – Financial hardship, will get paid, crucial time in training 45- traveling overseas on March 1st – visit family 3- 3 month, 6 year old, logistics of child care 37- Doctoral student, March 6th defense 7- 4.5 year project – will not lose income 40 – Worker’s comp. – doctor’s appointment 14- special education teacher, substitute can’t do dyslexia instruction 28- ½ year job loss – may need to go out of town 32- child custody case 48- Probation for DWI

College rivalry brought up again – How many people are frustrated with the divisions? Almost everyone – Trying to reduce context

*Disability or illness? 21- two neurodivergent kids – homeschooled

*Recognize prosecution witness? 18- Lynette Sharp, cat foster from Saving Hope – volunteer “shooting up detention facility” Coffer team – Autumn/witnesses 42- Selection panel representing domestic abuse case

McLain-Evetts; Hayes – Song Still mispronouncing Mari’s name


Voir Dire Q: Media Coverage? 18- looked it up after hearing about Lynette – would not be biased 44- Seen coverage on news – would not be biased 5- several news, incidents that happened – constitutional right of the protesters, officers protect facility – could be unbiased 7- seen media coverage – could be unbiased 21- pieces of news coverage 23- saw news headlines – unbiased 37- general news report – unbiased 47- read about mistrial – relatives who worked on the border – could not be completely unbiased 48- hard to be fair to the ones being charges – remember when it happened – doesn’t agree with targeting “that place” 40- helped build Prairieland 26- Seen coverage – impartial

Q: Grand Jury / Trial Jury? 29- trial jury, civil, insurance 5- criminal, homicide, murder 7- civil, mistrial 50- civil case, lease, plaintiff 49- federal, homicide, guilty 27- state case, domestic violence, not guilty

Q: Law enforcement? Family/friends? 44- niece, military police, grandpa chief cop 4- close friend – Houston PD 47- best friend, Palo Pinto, border patrol family 26- best friend, FWPD 27- friendship, Michigan campus cops 12- dad, Arlington PD SWAT team 14- close friendship, cop, investigator – weekly contact 32- Aunt, NSA

Q: ICE? Negative/positive experience with ICE? Cops? Negative/positive 32- cop took care of him & his daughter – not biased 30- Professional, child welfare agency – not biased

Q: Antifa? 18- term misused, means anti-fascist, should be behind it 35- 29 Years US military, does not approve of “terrorist” group tearing it down – biased 47- church security team, train against protestors – biased

Q: Strong feelings about ICE? 32- irritation with ICE, daughter half Mexican, wish for things to be different, justifies ICE – can be unbiased 25- Have heard about it online, everyone should be treated equally and humanely

Q: Crime more than a traffic ticket? 29- Father, meth – unbiased 32- sister, credit card fraud 25- dad, local jail, allegedly attacked a cop, mental illness involved, dementia, not targeted by cops

Q: Protest? 18-No kings, anti-ICE protest 21-all related to current administration, Muslim ban protest 5- labor protest, worked for an airline, parents protested in the civil rights movement 8- March for Life 25-Women’s marches

Q: Trans? Violent? Firearm? 7- believe that trans people are mentally ill – would be skeptical of them

Q: Political affiliation – more likely to be violent?

Q: Guns/firearms?

Q: Fair & Impartial? 20- general bias of weapons charges at federal facility – intent to harm & disrupt


Coffer: Texas Ranger mural may cause bias Guilt by association – needs to be asked – 18-23 Objections & referrals apply to everyone

Back to voir dire Q: Deferral? 30- Deferred from two felony charges as a juvenile – can be unbiased – crime riddled neighborhood – worked hard to get where she is 44- Civil restored after a federal conviction – selling weed helped him grow up 22- husband, deferred adjudication before getting married

Q: Paintings? Has jury pool look at Texas Rangers paintings No bias them

Q: Guilt by association?

Q: Firearms @ protest?

Bring back: 20,30,37,40,45,48,44,7,47,14,21 20-gun owner, time and place 44- father & grandfather – put it aside 30- social worker – believe in upholding the law – bias, recovery for people with disabilities, those released from incarceration

Judge strikes for cause: 3,21,40,7,30,45,32,47,18,35,48,20,37,42 Prosecution: 14,5 – object to striking – coffer Defense: 42 – dozing off, 21- object- 5-object, 48-object, 32-object


Note-Taker HR — PM Session (Panel 2)

Jury Panel 2

Judge brings up that “Kangaroo Courts” are in totalitarian and communist countries.

Undue hardship, illness, disability 84- see cancer doctor on Friday, screening 55 – Branch banker, salary, no bonus 69 – March 15th fly overseas 62 – clerical work, land surveying 92- private practice therapist, self employed 58 – foundation no pay if not working 97 – 2 small children father in law having surgery next week 54 – husband has chronic pancreatitis, does not drive 75 – husband has congestive failure

Law Enforcement friends/family (Question) 54 – some friends retired, respect for cops 79 – best friends father, 25 year, irving 55 – brother wily 56 – husbands aunt sheriff retired 57 – nephew detective dallas, not biased 76 – close friend Azle 64 – friend, fort worth 63 – Father in law, Bro in Law, Austin jail system 100 – Cousin married to FWPD

Texas Ranger Murals (question, answer was no bias)

Negative experience with law enforcement (question) 60 – nineteen, criminal mischief, bodily harm, expunged. Negative.

75 – possession of controlled substance 1999 90 – 2 counts of credit card fraud

Negative/positive ICE (Question)

Media? 54 – heard of it 59 – what was on the news when it happened

Oppose/Favor ICE (Question) 55 – immigrant in favor of legal immigration 72 – ICE enforcing the law interfering with this is not a good thing claims to be unbiased 86 – attorney pro. Bono. Immigration asylum seekers, corporate by day. Can be unbiased 75 – Originally for ICE, friends and adult children are detained, views changed. Can be impartial.

Trans (Question) Answer: None

(medal of honor 9 c.s. lewis)

Firearms (Question) 59 – believes in protest, no guns at a protest. Can be unbiased 55 – no guns at a protest

Guilt by association (question) 60 – charged for the torching of a plastic factory, guilt by association, cops did not treat her well quiet and cops harassed her mocked her wicca beliefs, kept in cell by herself 90 – the bible from 3000 feet

Outside influence (Question) 32 – pamphlet shoved into their hands, crumpled it up and handed it to an officer

Antifa (Question) 82 – strong negative feelings, direct action

Protest (Question) 51 – No kings protest, anti-trump unbiased 67 – attended pro-life as child, forced mecha-student advocacy for Chicanos, able to be fair and impartial 70 – protest against apartment complex to reclaim belongings, no kings protest, can be impartial, might cry 60 – animal protest, against animal testing, unbiased 92 – Black Lives Matter, no kings, women’s march, No Anti-Ice activity 108 – grew up in South Africa, participated in protests and boycotts against apartheid

Plea hearing – cut the time in half – what does this have to do with Champagne?

Jury Jury Juror Numbers: 6, 11, 13, 17, 23, 29, 34, 36, 38, 39, 43, 46, Alternates: 52, 53

Political affiliation 79: extremist on both sides give a bad name to others on left or right 54: too extreme on either side may cause violence

Callback: 54 Republicans: 2, 8, 9, 24, 26, 41, 44


Note-Taker JM (MKH) — AM Session

PRAIRIELAND TRIAL – VOIR DIRE 2/23

  • Witnesses will be sequestered, directed to avoid news stories about the case.
  • Judge: “Thank you for your questions. I’ve taken several of them.”
  • Expert witnesses have sequester privilege
  • Judge: one thing that has always upset me is ppl who make fun of jury service. “It’s become a joke, something people try to get out of.” We don’t have compulsory military service anymore, but this is just as important as if we were at war and you were serving → quotes FD again; TJ
  • 2.5 – 3 weeks: anticipates being done by 3/11

Q1: Anyone would have hardship? Juror #30 – new job, has been unemployed → will you get paid? Maybe? Judge- you can’t be fired #45 – travel on 3/1 #? – travel #37 – Phd final defense 3/6 to graduate #7 – 4.5 year project. Hiring 500 employees, won’t lose income. #40 – on worker’s comp; has to make Dr. appts #14 – Special Ed. – sub can’t do same level of dyslexia instruction #28 – might have interview out of state #32 – child custody case on Wed. #46 – probation DWI

Q2: Disability or illness that makes it hard to pay attention? #40 – Drs Appts

  • No surgeries → Illness in family?

#21 – neurodivergent kids, homeschool

Specifics about trial: Criminal, 9 D’s Pled N.G.

  • 14 jurors
  • Indictment does not equal evidence
  • Presumption of evidence; beyond reasonable doubt; D no obligation to testify

Prosecution led by Sean Smith

  • Read witnesses to see if jurors recognize → #18 knows Lynette Sharp “cat sitter that got in trouble for shooting up a detention center”
  • says he might have follow-up Qs later

D [attorneys??]

  • Juror #42 recognizes Luster (Autumn Hill)

Case Specific Qs: How many of you are disgusted with the divisions in this country? Gonna have to do your best to leave that at the court room door

  • Aggie v. UT analogy
  • Criminal trial re: 7/4/25 at detention center in Alvarado, TX

Q1: Has anyone been exposed to media coverage involving shooting incident? #18 – looked it up after hearing about Lynette Sharp === LIVE STREAM CUT OUT AT 10:30 === #40 – helped concrete Praireland #26 – saw news coverage, can be impartial

Q2: Ever served on a jury? #29 – trial jury insurance claim civil 3-4 years ago, defense verdict #5 – criminal case, didn’t get to give verdict because circumstance Homicide #7 – civil, insurance, mistrial #50 – civil, lease, found for Plaintiff #49 – federal Homicide, guilty, 30 years ago #27 – DV NG

Q3: Employed as LEO? – No one

Q4: Family LEO? #44 – niece military police, grandfather chief of police AZ #4 – close friend former Houston PD #47 – constable; nephews served on border #27 – friends of campus police in MI #12 – Dad retired Arlington PD SWAT #32 – aunt works for [scratch out]

Q5: Religious belief forbid? – None

Q6: ICE. Negative or positive experience w/ ICE? – No one

Q7: Negative experience w/ police? – No one.

Q8: Positive? #32 – cop helped him w/ gas #30 – child welfare worker

Q9: Antifa strong feelings? #18 – Pro Antifa #7 – hard to put aside #25 – Anti

Q10: Strong negative feelings about ICE #32 – irritated by ICE b/c half Mexican daughter, can put aside #25 – thinks everyone should be treated humane, can put aside

Q11: charged or convicted crime (you or family) #29 – Dad incarcerated most of his life #32 – sister charged credit card fraud #25 – 5 years ago Dad jail attacked a cop a lil bit. Diagnosed w/ dementia, can put aside

Q12: Protest participate #18 – No Kings #21 – several related to current administration, airport Muslim ban #5 – worked for airline, protest labor disputes, parents protested Civil Rights Movement, ppl in neighborhood against them #8 – March for Life #25 – Women’s Marches

Q13: Participate protest Immigration #18 – Stepped out against ICE

Q14: Belief that people shouldn’t protest? – No one

Q15: Belief that trans = more likely to be violent? #7 – mental health issues, can put aside

Q16: Transgender should effect right to possess a firearm? – No one

Q17: Political affiliation more likely to be violent? – No one

Q18: Keep burden of proof on gov’t in terrorism case? – No one

Q19: Strong guns or firearms? – No one

Q20: Anything prevent fair & impartial juror? #20 – bias against weapons at federal facility, it would be hard to overcome


Attorneys suggest asking? Coffer: Texas Ranger photo in court, put aside? Defense attorneys want Q’s about guilt by association All requests & objections apply to everyone unless opt out

More Q’s Q21: Any prosecution deferrals? #30 – deferred from 2 felonies as a juvenile, can set aside #44 – Civil rights restored after 5 years, can set aside #22 – husband deferred adjudication, can set aside

Q22: Can you put TX Ranger painting aside? Arresting & taking Sam Bass in bias toward LE?

Q23: Conspiracy Q – No one

Q24: Firearms while protesting? – No one


Individually Question? 20? check 30? reconsider 40? strike for cause 45? [kip?] strike for cause 48 – SFC 44? – call back check 7? – SFC 47 – SFC 21 – SFC

#20 – firearms at facility re-circle-back? Hard to put feelings out of head

#44 – grandfather was Chief of Police → Not strong case

#30 – Social worker. Favor law enforcement? → I do have a bias, they’ve backed me up.

Strikes === LIVE STREAM CUT 12:37 – 12:51 ===


Note-Taker JM — PM Session (Panel 2)

VOIR DIRE 2/23 (PM) Panel 2 – Same opening speech

Livestream cut 1:47 – Back on 1:50

Would anyone have hardship if they serve? (Missed a few answers) #62: Job will fall behind #92: Therapist, self-employed #97: Responsible for kids to/from school

Does anyone have disability or illness? #54: Husband has chronic pain #75: Congestive Heart Failure husband

Some questions about indictment does not equal evidence; Can’t hold it against defendants if they don’t testify; Government’s burden of proof is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Witness Conflict Check #2 Do any jurors recognize any witness names? No conflicts.

Judge asks is anyone disgusted by the division today? Says to put aside biases, verdict not based on approval or disapproval of the current administration or political views or sympathies. Aggie vs. UT allegory again.

Q1: Case involves alleged occurrences at an ICE detention facility on 7/4/25. Has anyone had a negative or positive experience with ICE?

  • No one

Q2: Has anyone been exposed to media coverage about the shooting at Prairieland last July? #54: Don’t know much, but heard of it. Wouldn’t be influenced by what she heard. #59: Saw on the news when it happened last summer.

Q3: Has anyone discussed the facts of the case?

  • No one

Q4: Does anyone have strong feelings about ICE? #55: Immigrant in favor of immigration, not against ICE but in favor of legal immigration. #72: Interference with ICE is not a good thing; Could set aside bias. #86: Asylum attorney, does it pro bono; could be impartial.

  • Represents them applying for asylum & removal defense, but this is on the side. Mostly a corporate mergers & acquisitions attorney.

#75: Has been pro-ICE, but friend’s kids got taken by ICE so she can see both sides. Can put aside.

Q5: Is anyone familiar with the Prairieland facility?

  • No one

Q6: Has anyone been a law enforcement officer?

  • No one

Q7: Has anyone’s close friend or family member been a law enforcement officer? #54: Friends with retired police officers. Has a lot of respect for law enforcement. Could put aside. #78: Best friend’s dad. Could put aside. #55: Brother in police force, could put aside. #56: Husbands aunt was former sheriff. #57: Nephew is officer and detective. #86: (Specially questioned by judge since he is an attorney about feelings on law enforcement.) #64: Close friend is Fort Worth police officer, can put aside. #76: Close friend is police officer, can put aside. #63: Father in law and brother in law. #100: Cousin is married to Fort Worth police officer.

Q8: Asks if the Texas Ranger paintings in the courtroom will bias the jury, given there will be Texas Ranger witnesses?

  • No one

Q9: Has anyone had any negative experiences with law enforcement? #60: Got in trouble with the law at 19. Got expunged.

  • No one else

Q10: Has anyone been charged or convicted of a crime? Deferred Prosecution? (Felony) #75: In 1999 Possession of a Controlled Substance, deferred. Now she helps other people not do that. Doesn’t bias her. #90: Credit card fraud, deferred. Doesn’t bias him.

Q11: Does anyone’s close friend or family member’s experience with police bias them?

  • No one

Q12: If person injured was a police officer, would it bias you?

  • No one

Q13: Strong feelings about Antifa? #82: Strong negative feelings about organization called Antifa. Can put aside, but has strong feelings.

Q14: Can you give Antifa presumption of innocence?

  • No one presents issues

Q15: Have you ever protested? #51: Went to every No Kings protest. Anti-Trump in general. Can put aside. #67: Pro-Life protests as a child. Chicano student group protests as a college student. #70: Protested apartment eviction. Would have been in No Kings. It might make me cry, but I could be unbiased. #60: Protest for animal rights. #92: Lots of protests, BLM, No Kings. But no ICE protests. #68: Grew up in apartheid South Africa; Protested. Can put aside.

Q16: Does anyone believe that transgender people are more likely to be violent? To possess a firearm? Should have rights? Hold it against a witness who is transgender? More skeptical?

  • No one

Q17: Strong feelings about firearms? -No one

Q18: Feelings about firearms at a protest? #59: Protest is fine, but you shouldn’t be able to bring a gun. Could put aside. #55: Feels the same as #59. People get out of hands at protests.

Q19: Guilt by association is not allowed. Can you assess the evidence against each defendant individually?

  • No one presents issues here.

Q20: Asks gun question again, again no issues.

Q21: Has anyone approached you all about this case?

  • No one

Q22: Any religious/philosophical issues?

  • No one

Break Everyone leaves except #60. Potential juror #60 is the one with criminal issues from 19. Was hanging out at abandoned building.

Cut livestream 3:14 – 3:20

Dismiss jury

Cut livestream 3:30 – 3:38

Has anyone tried to speak to you about the case?

  • No one

Juror #32 struck for cause Brings in 2nd panel. (Apparently had first panel come in during cut.)

Q: Does anyone think political beliefs make you more likely to be violent (right or left?) #79: Not left or right, but extremists on both sides might be more violent. #54: Feels the same way.

STRIKES From Judge: 55, 58, 82, 92, 97, 84, 59 Prosecution: 55 and 59 said they could be impartial Judge: 55 will lose her bonus, so strike. 59 says she doesn’t believe in guns at protests. Prosecution: Cut 60. (Judge agrees.) Defense: Move to strike 54. (Prosecution opposes.) Brings 54 back in. To #54: Can you get here, as your husband is your ride and has a pancreatic condition? #54: He has day to day pain. I can find another way if I have to. Judge strikes #54!

Now attorneys will exercise their strikes. Back at 4:28 They have made the list of 14 6, 11, 13, 17… Livestream cut at 4:29 – Back on at 4:43 We missed who was picked, but 12 jurors and 2 alternates are already being sat and getting the judge’s instructions to not look at the media.

8:30 AM tomorrow.

Defense moves to add strikes to the record. Judge will think about it… will get back tomorrow.


Note-Taker JK — AM Session (Paginated Version)

JK – AM 2/23/2026

illegible words highlighted

p. 1

  • Witness roll call by government
  • Sequestered most of the witnesses, except the lead case officer
  • Warning to avoid media/social media
  • Defendants brought in
  • Jury brought in
  • People stating potential limitations (undue hardship) for serving on the jury for a 3-week trial
  • Disability or illness that could it make it hard to serve on the jury
    • #40 doctor’s appointment for workers comp mentioned by judge, no one else said anything
  • Illness/caretaker for family
    • #21 – two neurodivergent kids that she homeschools, sole person to homeschool
  • Now he switches to the case, criminal case
  • Explains an indictment, explains innocent until proven guilty, explains reasonable doubt, explains 5A right to not testify, treat all witnesses equal,
  • Sean Smith, prosecutor, begins to speak, introduces his evil crew

p. 2

  • Prosecutor reads witness list → jury needs to say if they recognize the names
    • #18 knows Lynette Sharp, a cat foster for saving hope, “shooting up an ICE facility”
  • Cody Cofer introduces himself, Judge asks if someone knows him
    • #42 – recognizes Mr. Luster from serving on previous jury
  • Cofer introduces witnesses
    • No one recognizes names
  • MacLean introduces himself and trial team
    • No one recognizes
  • MacLean reads witnesses
    • No one recognizes
  • Hayes introduces trial team
    • No one recognizes
  • Hayes reads witnesses
    • No one recognizes
  • Tolbert introduces trial team
    • No one recognizes
  • Tolbert reads witnesses

p. 3

  • Mr. St John introduces team
    • No one recognizes
  • Mr. St. John witnesses, no witnesses
  • Clayton introduces team
    • No one recognizes
  • Sherman introduces team
    • No one recognizes
  • Sherman introduces witnesses, 5 witnesses
    • No one recognizes
  • Lee Davis introduces his team
    • No one recognizes
  • Lee Davis has no additional
  • Fed PDs introduce themselves
    • No one recognizes
  • Fed PDs list one witness
    • No one recognizes
  • No one recognizes the evil judge
  • Disgusted by divisions → Judge says he is
    • → leave all this by courthouse door
  • Not asked to make a decision on the current administration, the U.S.A., need to follow the law
  • Political views need to put aside,

p. 4

  • Can you put your strong feelings aside?
  • Media coverage of shooting
    • → #18 looked up Lynette, looked up story
    • Live stream cut at 10:30am
    • Back on 10:36am
    • → #__ remember when it all happened, I can do it, pumped the concrete on Prairieland
    • → # 26, have seen coverage on news, can be impartial
  • Have you ever served on a jury/trial jury
    • #29 – 3 or 4 years ago ???, tarrant county, reach a verdict, defense getting sued, won
    • #5 – federal case, criminal case, Nevada, did not complete service, homicide murder
    • #7 – civil, torrent county, mistrial, insurance
    • #50 – civil case, for plaintiff
    • 49 – federal case in Dallas, 30 years ago, homicide, guilty
    • #27 – domestic violence, not guilty
  • Anyone who is law enforcement officer?
    • No one
  • Close friends/family/law enforcement office?
    • #44 niece is military police, grandfather Chief of Police in Arizona
    • #4 close friend police officer Houston PD
    • #27 close friend, nephew/cousins serve on border
    • #26 close friend Fort Worth police officer
    • #27 worked with #8 police [illegible]
    • #12 dad retired ATV swat team
    • #__ weekly cen_ with officer
    • Aunt works for NASA, talk to her once a month

p. 5

  • Philosophical/religious belief that prevent from serving on a jury
    • No one answers 20 minute break
  • Immigration enforcement → politics have no place in the courtroom
    • → negative/positive with ICE
      • No one responded
  • Negative experience with law enforcement
    • No one responded
  • Positive experience with law enforcement
    • #32 → a cop helped him get gas
    • #30 → professional – CPS worker
  • Antifa – strong beliefs
    • #18 – the term is mimssel [phonetic]
      • Anti fascist
      • Most Americans should be antifascist
      • Categorized as a terrorist org
    • #25 – I don’t approve of terrorist groups like that military for 20 years
    • Can’t put it aside

p. 6

  • #47 – train against incidents that happen
    • Hard to put that aside
  • #32 – slight issue because daughter is Mexican, irritation, uses logical stand point
    • No necessity to what ICE does
    • He’s a both sides guy
    • Could be able to put aside
  • #25 – does not agree with ICE, could put that aside and focus on ICE
  • Know someone charged with a crime
    • #29 – dad in jail
    • #32 – sister credit card fraud
    • #23 – Dad was taken to local jail, attacked cop a little bit, Dad had dementia
  • Have participated in a protest
    • #18 – no kings protest
    • #21 – several, all related to current administration, protest at airport

p. 7 – Everyone has a right to protest

  • #5 – labor protest, parents protesting in the civil rights movement
  • #8 – march for life
  • #25 – women’s rights march
  • Protest supporting or anti immigration
    • #18 – no kings
    • 21 – against administration
  • People should protest
  • Transgender – more violent
    • #7 – mental health issue, strong feelings about transgender
  • More skeptical of someone of transgender
    • Just juror #7
  • A person’s political affiliation would cause them to act more violently
    • No one responded

p. 8

  • Is there anything that could make you be not able to be fair + impartial?
    • #20 – bias of weapon
      • Feel intent to cause harm
      • No reason to have firearm to have a fiellity [phonetic]

Deferred adjudication

  • #12 – deferred for felony charges as a juvenile
  • 24 – rights resorted after felony
  • Grateful for time I did
  • #__ – juvenile delinquent, two masters degree, lived in crime riddled neighborhoods
  • #22 – husband has deferred adjudication, before they got married
  • Concentrate on artwork – Texas rangers arresting an outlaw, celebrating taking somebody in

p. 9

  • Guild by association
    • No one answered
  • Firearms with protesting
    • No one answered
  • No cause strikes for USA
  • Cause for defense
    • #20
    • #30, judge said no, judge reconsidered
    • #37, for cause
    • #40, cause
    • #45, cause
    • #21, cause
    • #48, cause
    • #47, cause
    • #48, cause
    • #41
    • #7, cause
  • (20, 44, 30) bringing back
  • #20 – bringing gun to federal facility
    • Question carrying gun where it could escalate
    • Wouldn’t bring firearm to bar
    • Time + place, federal facility
    • It’s hard because it makes no sense

p. 10

  • #44 – would be able to follow the law despite law enforcement family
  • #30 – social worker, work with law enforcement, she has a bias for law enforcement, just started a good on Thurs.

12:38 – cut the livestream 12:51 – back on

9 total strikes – gov Each defendant has 2 strikes 30 minute lunch break Reconvene at 1:30pm


Note-Taker JK — PM Session

20260223JK Afternoon 2/23 voir dire

-2:49pm-

Q- deferred adjudication #75 -controlled substance in 1999 -now helps other people not do that -can be fair and impartial -no strong feelings about law enforcement

#90 -charged w/ debit card abuse, theft -was deferred -can be fair and impartial when it comes to

Q- feelings about law enforcement make it hard to serve on jury -no one answered

Q- presuming to be innocent – strong feelings -no one answered

Q- Antifa #82

  • strong negative feelings about Antifa
  • [???] direct action, assault on law enforcement
  • can put that aside (lol)

Q- could someone be impartial if someone was a part of Antifa

  • no one answered

Q- protesting #51 -every no kings protest -anti-Donald Trump -strong feelings about administration -but can put that aside

#67 -pro life protests as a child -civil rights for Chicanos -can be fair and unbiased

#70 -protest for apt complex, to get belongings back -desire to be in no kings protest -can put that aside, but could cry

#92 -BLM, no kings, women’s march -strong feelings against administration -can put feelings aside

#68 -protest apartheid – South African during that time -can be impartial

Q- any protests supporting or opposing immigration -no one answered

Q- should ppl be not able to protest? -no one answered

Q- anyone who believes trans people are more violent -no one answered

Q- being trans ad owning firearm? -no one answered

Q- trans rights under constitution? -no one answered

Q- hold against witness/defendant if they are trans? -no one answered

Q- beyond a reasonable doubt alleging terrorism -no one answered?

Q- firearms brought to a protest? #59 -right to protest w/o violence [?] a gun, should not be able to bring a gun to protest -would be fair and impartial

#55 -should not bring a gun to a protest

Q- guilt by association -no one answered

Q- anyone approached you about this case? -no one answered

Q- any religious beliefs that would prevent you from serving? -no one answered

#60 remains, 10 min break for everyone else -illness when she was 19, -torched a building

livestream down: 3:14pm – 3:19pm

-Cofer submitted questions, Judge denied -Maclean – motion for counsel to conduct voir dire – overruled by Judge

Q- anyone tried to speak to you? -no one answered

#32 struck for cause -crumbled up paper will be entered into record for appellate purposes

*what is this paper?

Q- does being on left or right make you more violent #79 – extremists on both sides make you more violent #54 – too extreme on either side will make you more violent

For cause #55, 58, 82, 84, 92, 97, 59

government: 55 + 59 = would be unbiased -55 – would lose bonus, so Judge is worried to keep her on panel -59 – judge said she said no guns at protest

gov. said same should apply to #60 Judge agrees, strikes #60 + #59

Burns = #54 to strike overruled by Judge

Tolbert brings #54 again and ties to law enforcement Judge doesn’t think that’s biased

#54 brought up again #54 husband has pancreatitis, he would not want to drive her if he is in pain, she said she could figure it out

struck #54 for cause

For cause 54, 55, 58, 59, 82, 84, 92, 97, 60

-through 57 for primary strikes -no extra strikes for alternates

20 min break so lawyers can confer

Defense Strikes – did not see this

Jurors #6, #11, #13, #17, #

livestream off – 4:29pm 4:43pm livestream back on – swearing in the jury

-take a look at Mr. Song’s motion -gov. gives jury a copy of indictment, take indictment back up after arraignment -strike list to be added to record -juror #s into record -Judge does not want to do that, but he is going to think about it -not something they do on a regular basis -Gov. will start with the attack, then the other witnesses -there is a different way of doing things in Fort Worth -Gov. is mad and accuses defense of trying to take way the flexibility of who to call


Note-Taker JK — AM Session (Plaintext Version)

20260223JK AM

-witness roll call by government -sequestered most of the witnesses, except the lead case officer -warning to avoid media/social media -defendants brought in Inez + Liz sit together <3 -jury brought in -people stating potential limitations undue hardship for being on the jury for a 3 week trial -disability or illness that could make it hard to be on the jury #40 doctors appt for workers comp mentioned by judge, no one else said anything -illness/caretaker for family -#21 – two neurodivergent kids that she homeschools, sole person to homeschool -now he switches to the case, criminal case, explains an indictment, explains innocent until proven guilty, explains reasonable doubt, explains 5A right to not testify, treat all witnesses equal -Sean Smith, prosecutor, begins to speak, introduces his evil crew -prosecutor reads witness list -> jury needs to say if they recognize the names -#18 – knows Lynette Sharp, a cat foster for Sowing Hope, “shooting up an ICE facility” -Cody Cofer introduces himself, Judge asks if someone knows him #42 – recognizes Mr. Luster from serving on a previous jury -Cofer introduces witnesses -no one recognizes names -MacLean introduces himself and trial team -no one recognizes -MacLean reads witnesses -no one recognizes -Hayes introduces trial team -no one recognizes -Hayes reads witnesses -no one recognizes -Tolbert introduces trial team -no one recognizes

-Tolbert reads witnesses

-Mr. St John introduces team -no one recognizes -Mr St John witnesses, no witnesses -Clayton introduces team -no one recognizes -Sherman introduces team -no one recognizes -Sherman introduces witnesses, 5 witnesses -no one recognizes -Lee Davis introduces his team -no one recognizes -Lee Davis has no additional -Fed PDs introduce themselves -no one recognizes -Fed PDs list one witness -no one recognizes -no one recognizes the evil Judge -disgusted by divisions -> Judge says he is -leave all this by courthouse door -not asked to make a decision on the current administration, the USA, need to follow the law -political views need to put aside -can you put your strong feelings aside? -media coverage of shooting -#18 – looked up Lynette, looked up story *Live Stream cut at 10:30am *back on 10:36am

    • #__ remember when it all happened, I can do it, pumped the concrete on prairieland
    • #26, have seen coverage on news, can be impartial
    have you ever served on a jury/trial jury
  • #29 – 3 or 4 years ago, insurance, tarrant county, reach a verdict, defense getting sued, won
  • #5 – federal case, criminal case, Nevada, did not complete service, homicide murder
  • #7 – civil, tarrant county, mistrial, insurance
  • #50 – civil case, for plantiff
  • #49 – federal case in Dallas, 30 years ago, homicide, guilty
  • #27 – domestic violence, not guilty

-anyone who is law enforcement officer? -no one close friends/family law enforcement officer?

  • #44 – niece is military police, grandfather chief of police in Arizona
  • #4 – close friend police officer Houston PD
  • #27 – close friend, nephew/cousins serve on border
  • #26 – close friend Fort Worth police officer
  • #21 – worked with number of police
  • #12 – Dad retired ATV swat team
  • #__ – weekly contact w/ officer
  • #32 – aunt works for NSA, talk to her once a month

-Philosophical/Religious belief that prevent from serving on a jury -no one answers 20 min break -immigration enforcement -> politics have no place in the courtroom -negative/positive with ICE *no one responded -negative experience w/ law enforcement -no one responded -positive experience w/ law enforcement

  • #32 -> a cop helped him get gas
  • #30 -> professional – CPS worker

-Antifa – strong beliefs

  • #18 – the term is misused, anti-fascist, most Americans should be antifascist, categorized as a terrorist org
  • #25 – I don’t approve of terrorist groups like that, military for 20 yrs, can’t put it aside
  • #17[?] – train against incidents that happen, hard to put that aside
  • #32 – slight issue b/c daughter is Mexican, irritation, uses logical standpoint, no necessity to what ICE does, he’s a both sides guy could be able to put aside
  • #25 – does not agree w/ ICE, could put that aside and focus on ICE

know someone charged with a crime

  • #29 – Dad in jail #32 – sister credit card fraud #25 – Dad was taken to a local jail, attacked a cop a little bit, Dad had dementia

have participated in a protest #18 – no kings protest #21 – several, all related to current administration, protest at airport -everyone has a right to protest #5 – labor protest, parents protesting in the civil rights movement #8 – march for life #25 – women’s rights march -people should protest -transgender – more violent #7 – mental health issues, strong feelings about transgender -more skeptical of someone transgender just juror #7 -a person’s political affiliation would cause them to act more violently? no one responded Is there anything that could make you be not able to be fair + impartial? #20 – bias of weapon, feel intent to cause harm, no reason to have firearm to have a facility deferred adjudication

  • #12 – deferred for felony charges as a juvenile
  • #44[?] – rights restored after felony, grateful for time I did
  • #__ – juvenile delinquent, two masters degrees, lived in crime riddled neighborhood
  • #22 – husband had deferred adjudication, before they got married

-concentrate on artwork – texas rangers arresting an outlaw, celebrating taking [???] in -Guilt by Association no one answered -firearms w/ protesting no one answered no cause strikes for USA cause for defense #20 #30, judge said no, judge reconsidered #37, for cause #40, cause #45, cause #48, cause #21, cause #41 #7, cause #47, cause #48, cause [20, 44, 30] bringing back #20 -bringing gun to federal facility -question carrying gun where it could escalate -wouldn’t bring firearms to bar -its hard b/c it makes no sense #44 – would be able to follow the law despite law enforcement family #30 – social worker, work w/ law enforcement, she has a bias for law enforcement, just started a good on Thurs. 12:38 – cut the livestream 12:51 – back on 9 total strike – gov. each defendant has 2 strikes 30 min lunch break reconvene at 1:30pm


Note-Taker XD — Dallas Overflow Room (AM Session, Multiple Files)

XD File 1:

Dallas overflow 02/23/2026. 10:05am Lynette Sharp volunteered at facility illegible but looks like, “-3#18”? “shot ICE building up” Jury conflicts check (Illegible) Autumn Hill 3#42 —>2025 municipal jury selection, met the lawyers

Patrick McCain(sp?)-Zach Evetts Phillip Hayes-Ben Song M Tolbert-Savanna Batten St. John-Meagan Morris M. Clayton-Maricela Rueda Hannah Scheman (sp?)-Elizabeth Soto Leigh Dawl (sp?)-Ines Soto Christopher Wamble-Daniel Sanchez — J. Pittman——> Anyone here know me in a special list?———> NO. “Leave politics out of the courtroom”? “Disgusted about the current division in the country?” “You will not be asked to bring a verdict based on approval/disapproval of president…”

XD File 2:

“My grandmother has a saying…” in the 30s…——>built in the 30s—->grandma from the 30s —->about a tub Put strong feelings aside——>”I’m groggy” (word illegible) Voir dire 10:26am Explaining general facts of the 07/04 case Has anyone here been exposed (word illegible, unsure) to “shooting incident”?—->3#18 looked up media 10:30am—-> livestream cut 10:36am #40 built the Prairieland detention center (poured concrete) Anyone serve on a jury ever? Left section: #29-insurance claim civil case in Tarrant County—->defense verdict Mid section: #5-federal jury——>N.D. Newota (word illegible) -ciminal case—->did not complete service before verdict -murder case #7-civil case—->found for plaintiff #49-Dallas federal case—->homicide(?) case—>gu (guilty?) 30 years ago #27-state Tarrant County, dv criminal case—-> ng (not guility?)

XD File 3:

10:45am: Law enforcement employment——>No. -Military?—>No. Friends, family work in law enforcement? (very close friends, immediate family) #44: Niece is military police, grandfather is chief of police in AZ #4: close friend former Houston PD #47: Best friend highway patrol #26: Best friend is former FW police #27: Michigan(?) University campus police #12: Dad retired SWAT Arlington PD—>”can follow the law”—>raised by dad (strict dad) to always follow the law 4: close friend in police #32-aunt NSA employee—>once every couple of months—>”can set aside?” Yes. Philiosophy/religious view that would prevent jury service? 10:50am: 20 minute break: (word illegible)—>”this is like a laboratory” Voir dire (word illegible)-I will ask (word illegible), you can strike 11:18am——>more specific questions “immigration enforcement has been controversial in the media” “you’re home(?) from workers” “verdict not based on ICE feelings but on facts based on the law” “politics have no place in the courtroom”

XD File 4:

-Negative or positive experience with ICE?——> None on the left——>None on the right—None on the middle -Negative experience with law enforcement?——> None on the left——>None on the right—None on the middle -Positive experiences? -50(?) positive experience that on would be impartial -#32- with 2 yr old daughter, right after December, cop pulled over and helped get gas——>Can put aside? Yes. -#30: professional experiences, DSS in AZ, has very positive & close relationship -#12: “don’t tell us about your dad’s spanking when you were a kid” Strong beliefs/feelings about people/orgs/beliefs/ideas labeled “Antifa”?—>left:none—>Middle: #18 feels the term is being misused——>”Most Americans are antifascist” #25—>”I don’t approve of terror groups like that” #47: Family working in the border: “We trained against similar events that happened”} hard to put aside strong feelings

XD File 5:

Strong feelings about ICE——>asked 3 times #25″Have heard a lot about it online”——>”what pops up on my feed” “people don’t feel safe around ICE”—>can put things aside #32 (word illegible) with——>daughter is half Mexican can put things aside }no necessity for what they do 11:33am: I don’t know this gentleman (word illegible) -Anyone close accused of crime? -Been in any protest? “political or social protest” -#18: No Kings protest -#21—>anti-current administration, multiple -airport protests, Muslim ban, first Trump admin Right to protest—>Yes. #5—>Labor protests, small civil rights protests parents (ostracized in neighborhood) #8:—>March for Life protest——>NO follow-up of (word illegible) #25——>women’s rights march “Can’t put personal involvement in protests aside?”

XD File 6:

Protests on presidents’ immigration policies? #18——>yes #21—> no, just against administration Is (word illegible) with trans people?——>(word illegible) #7: (word illegible) mental health(?) Trans people right to own a firearm? Guns/firearms: None Anything that would prevent you from being an impartial juror? #20: General bias on federal facility firearms, will assume intent, “no reason to have a firearm in a federal facility”——>”can set it aside” Jury break for attorney discussions 11:53am -AUSA: please ask about deferrals?—>#28 will be stricken -Cafer(?): Ask about firearms at protest? -Law on conspiracy? -TX Rangers in case—>can court ask whether imagery(?) would cause prejudice/bias? -McClain: guilty by association? varying culpability? -Hayes: No -Tolbert: No -St. John: No -Clayton: No -Davis: No FPD: No -Scherman(sp?)/Burns: No, but yes to clarify (inaudible)——>Leigh Davis Voir dire will follow the same objections opt-out procedure 5 minute break -Second jury pool will be reviewed, jury will be expanded today Paintings 12:37pm-12:51pm Felicia