By Jennifer Emert - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - There were tense moments in the Lee County courthouse Monday where an Albany man is on trial for the brutal stabbing death of a Lee County woman.
Craig Johnson is charged with murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery in the February 2008 death of 23 year old Nicole Judge.
Relatives of the two began screaming at each other before jury selection began. Bailiffs calmed them down. Attorneys worked all day to pick 12 jurors and two alternates from a panel of 50 prospective jurors.
Judge was found dead inside her Winding Way Apartment by deputies who were called by family members to check on her. Monday, Craig Johnson's family said, he's prepared for the trial and they've been offering him their support.
"He's strong, he's just been praying. He's a lot stronger than people think he is," said Trana Johnson, Craig Johnson's wife.
"We want what's right to be done because we know he's innocent," said Sabrina Wallace, Johnson's Mother-in-law.
Judge George Peagler plans to review pictures that the defense doesn't want the jury to see as they're introduced into evidence and he will allow items seized from Craig Johnson's Albany apartment to be introduced as evidence. The District Attorney's office is not seeking the death penalty in this case.
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