INDIANAPOLIS — People who live in Marion County could receive notice as early as next week to potentially serve on the jury for the man charged with the murder of IMPD officer Breann Leath.
Elliahs Dorsey is accused of shooting and killing Officer Leath as she responded to a domestic violence call in April of 2020.
Court-appointed psychiatrists are still evaluating Dorsey. His lawyers plan an insanity defense in his trial.
Dorsey responded "Yes judge," when Judge Mark Stoner asked if he had enough time to meet with his lawyers and if he was satisfied with their representation so far.
The prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
Stoner plans to bring in 1,200 Marion County residents for jury selection in January.
"Let me again emphasize to you how important it is that we're ready for that," Stoner said during Friday's proceedings. "And that if we're going to go forward that you're serious about that. Just bringing in the people to fill out the questionnaire, just to bring them in, will cost the taxpayers $36,000."
"You can't put a price tag on my child's life, or anybody's life, and that's his included, so it's very important because my personal opinion really doesn't matter but he's entitled to his defense and we are seeking justice," said Jennifer Leath, Breann's mother.
Jennifer attends every hearing in this case. She asks people to show up for jury duty for her daughter.
The judge made his own plea with our camera in the courtroom.
"To the extent the media can help at all, it's very... it's critically important that people understand that they show up for jury summonses, because the process of going through all of that will be a major undertaking during the month of January," Stoner said.
The trial is scheduled to begin with opening statements Feb. 12. The jury will be sequestered throughout what is expected to be a three week trial.