Opinion ID: 2547215
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Jurors with Family Members Who Were Victims of Sexual Abuse.

Text: Appellant argues that two of the jurors should have been excused for cause because they had close family members who were victims of sexual abuse. During voir dire, the prosecutor asked the jury panel if any of them had friends or family members who had been sexually abused. The jurors who raised their hands were called to the bench individually and questioned by the judge, the prosecutor, and defense counsel. Of the eight potential jurors who came forward, six were excused for cause. Defense counsel moved that the other two jurors be excused for cause, but the trial judge denied the motions. Defense counsel used peremptory strikes on these two jurors and informed the court of the two jurors he would otherwise have used his strikes to remove, thus preserving the issue for appellate review under Gabbard v. Commonwealth, 297 S.W.3d 844, 854 (Ky.2009). Juror A said that his daughter had been the victim of sexual abuse in 2002, about eight years before the trial. He said that the person who touched her inappropriately had been prosecuted. He said that he did not think his daughter's experience would affect his ability to be fair because he was a pretty analytical person. Juror B said that his wife had been raped by her stepfather. Although the juror did not say how long ago this happened, it can be assumed that it was some time ago because the juror was fairly elderly. He said that what happened to his wife would not affect his ability to be fair and impartial. He said that he would not lean toward the prosecution if it was a close case. A defendant is entitled to an impartial jury. When there is reasonable ground to believe that a prospective juror cannot render a fair and impartial verdict on the evidence, that juror shall be excused as not qualified. RCr 9.36. A trial judge's denial of a motion to excuse for cause is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Shane v. Commonwealth, 243 S.W.3d 336, 338 (Ky.2007). [T]he mere fact that a prospective juror has been the victim of a crime similar to the crime being tried does not by itself imply a disqualifying bias. Additional evidence of bias is required. Brown v. Commonwealth, 313 S.W.3d 577, 598 (Ky.2010) (victim of burglary); see also Richardson v. Commonwealth, 161 S.W.3d 327, 330 (Ky.2005) (victim of sexual abuse); Sanders v. Commonwealth, 801 S.W.2d 665, 669 (Ky.1990) (victim of robbery). The same logic applies to a person who has a family member or friend who was the victim of a crime similar to the one being tried. Woodall v. Commonwealth, 63 S.W.3d 104, 118 (Ky.2001) (sister of rape victim); Hodge v. Commonwealth, 17 S.W.3d 824, 838 (Ky.2000) (neighbor of murder victim). Sexual abuse of a child is a crime that creates strong emotions. Indeed, most of the potential jurors in this case who had personal experience with sexual abuse admitted that it could affect their ability to be impartial, and they were excused for cause. But disqualification is not automatic. Both Juror A and Juror B said that they believed they could be fair and impartial. They candidly answered questions from the judge, the prosecutor, and defense counsel. Neither juror needed to be rehabilitatedthat is, asked if they could set aside their prejudice or bias to decide the case on the evidencebecause they both stated unequivocally that they could be impartial. See Richardson, 161 S.W.3d at 330. Therefore, there was no additional evidence of bias that would necessitate disqualification. Brown, 313 S.W.3d at 598. The trial judge did not abuse his discretion in deciding that Juror A and Juror B could be fair and impartial despite their family members' experiences.