Jury selected for trial of stepmother accused of killing Granby girl

Thejury has been selectedfor the trial of a Granby, Que., woman accused of killingherseven-year-old stepdaughter in 2019.

The girl'sdeath sparked public outcry, prompting an inquiry into Quebec's youth protection system.

On the first day of her trial, the 38-year-old womanpleaded not guilty to the two charges against her: second-degreemurder and forcible confinement.

In addition, 14jurors six women and eight menwere selected.

During the selection, it was discussedif jurors needed to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate.After hearing both parties, Judge Louis Dionne decided not to question the jury candidates about this.

Neither the Crown nor the defence wanted being adequately vaccinated to be a mandatory requirement. The prosecutor clarified that this is the official position of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP).

The jury is exceptionally composed of 14people due to the looming threat of COVID-19. Normally, the law requires 12. This decision was made by the judge who explainedtwo extra jurors were added to ensure afull jury is able to deliberate the entire case.

Toward the end of the trial, two jurors will be removed by a lottery system if there are still 14 jurors,Dionne said.

The trial is being held in Trois-Rivires, Que.Eight weeks have been set for the trial, but the judge said it could last longer or shorter than that given period.

The first witnesses are expected to be heard in two weeks.

The girl'sfather is also facing charges, including criminal negligence causing death, child abandonment and failure to provide the necessaries of life.

Their trials are separate, although some of the same witnesses could be called to testify. The father's trial could take place as late as next year.

The couple's identities are subject to a publication ban to protect the child's identity.

The girl died on April 30, 2019, the day after local police found her in critical condition at her father's house.