Judge explains why he dismissed 112-potential jurors

[Paladin]

FORT DODGE, Iowa —An Iowa judge has dismissed a 112-member jury pool after determining that a black man accused of murder couldn't get a fair trial when all but one potential juror is white.

The Globe Gazette newspaper reports 41-year-old Tyrone Washington Jr. of Northwood is accused in the August 2013 stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend, 30-year-old Justina Smith.

Washington's defense attorney requested to have the entire jury pool stricken, and District Judge Colleen Weiland on Tuesday granted his motion.

Out of the 112 jury pool, 111 people had identified themselves as white. One juror identified himself as Native American.

http://www.kcci.com/news/judge-dismisses-112potential-jury-members-in-murder-case/32997724