By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

WaKEENEY -- A 14-person jury -- 12 regular jurors plus two alternate jurors -- were seated this morning in the first-degree murder trial of David A. Stevenson.

The Gove County jury, made up of six men and eight women, was selected shortly before noon today in Trego County District Court from a panel of 42 prospective jurors.

The Gove County case had been transferred to Trego County because the courtroom in Gove is simply too small, and the community of fewer than 100 people has only one place to eat.

Despite the move, Monday's jury selection still resulted in a packed courtroom. As questions were asked of the first group called, the 50 Gove County residents who made up the second group of prospective jurors filled the Trego courtroom.

It was standing room only for court personnel and observers, at least until prospective jurors were released and seats in the gallery opened up.

While 200 prospective jurors had been told to appear Monday and this morning, the 42 came from the first 75 questioned.

With the selection of the jury, the case was adjourned until Wednesday, at which time opening statements will be made and witnesses -- perhaps as many as 150 -- will be called to testify.

The case against Stevenson stems from the death of his 85-year-old father, Walter A. Stevenson, on March 13, 2008.

During Monday's questioning of prospective jurors, Stevenson's attorney, Paul Oller, hinted at the approach his defense efforts might follow -- that of differing medical opinions as to the cause of the elder Stevenson's death.

"The question that is going to ultimately be asked is whether this was a murder or an accident," he said.

Initially, the case had been thought to have been an accident, but investigators determined otherwise and ultimately charged David Stevenson in the case.

Oller also hinted that Stevenson might not testify in his own defense.

"You think a person who is charged with first-degree murder might be nervous?" Oller asked of the jury. "That nervousness might be misinterpreted."

Monday's hearing essentially was a question-and-answer session, with Oller and prosecutor Steve Karrer, an assistant attorney general, asking the questions, to pick a slate of qualified jurors.

At the outset, District Judge Ed Bouker said two alternate jurors would be picked along with the 12 regularly seated.

In this case, however, only Bouker and bailiff Richard Parsons will know who the alternates will be.

As soon as the 14 jurors were selected, names were drawn out of a hat. The first two drawn are the alternates.

The alternates will be treated just like any other juror, at least until the time comes for the jury to deliberate. At that time, the alternates will step back and wait for a verdict like everyone else. If one of the 12 jurors is not able to complete the task, an alternate will take over.