Jury selection under way in Reno courthouse shooting case

RENO " Five potential jurors were dismissed Monday as jury selection began in the trial of Darren Mack, accused of killing his estranged wife and shooting the judge handling their divorce.

Their removal came after District Judge Douglas Herndon rejected a bid to move the trial out of Reno and he would attempt to seat an impartial jury. The judge questioned a panel of 51 potential jurors on their opinions in the case, their past dealings with the law and judicial system, and whether they know any of the 220 people on the witness list.

Each prospective juror was required to fill out a five-page questionnaire before being summoned.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers were to begin individual questioning later in the day.

Mack, 46, is accused in the stabbing death of his estranged wife, Charla, on June 12, 2006. Authorities allege he then drove to downtown Reno and shot Family Court Judge Chuck Weller through the third-floor window of his chambers. Weller, who was handling the couple's bitter divorce, was shot in the chest and has since recovered.

Mack surrendered 11 days later after fleeing to Mexico. He is charged with murder and attempted murder, and has pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.