The jury that will consider if a convicted murderer should be put to death will be anonymous, Eastern District Judge Nicholas Garaufis (See Profile) has decided. Jurors also will be offered transportation to and from the courthouse for the retrial of the penalty phase for Ronell Wilson, who was convicted of killing two undercover police officers on Staten Island 10 years ago.
"The court is convinced that the use of an anonymous and semi-sequestered jury is necessary to protect the jurors and the integrity of the judicial process," Garaufis wrote in United States v. Wilson, 04-cr-1016. The juror protections are the same that were in effect during the original trial and penalty phase.
