Python deaths: Jury chosen in Jean-Claude Savoie's criminal negligence trial

Twelve jurors and two alternates have been chosen from a pool of about 400in the case of Jean-Claude Savoie, who is charged with criminal negligence causing death.

Savoie, 39, the former owner of aCampbelltonpet store, wascharged after six-year-old ConnorBartheand his four-year-old brother Noah were killed by an escaped African rock python inSavoie'sapartment in August 2013.

Potential jurors dealt with long lines at theCampbelltonCivic Centre as jury selection began Mondaymorning. Two-thousand people were called for jury duty.

Many were excused early as some knew the Barthe brothers' family personally.

Justice Frederick Ferguson said the case will be heard in English, which led to more potential jurors being excused because they were not comfortable communicating in thatlanguage.

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The Barthe boys were found to have been asphyxiated by the snake while ata sleepoverinSavoie's home with the accused's son.

Since the deaths, Savoie has stayed out of the public eye.

He was absent throughout the preliminary inquiry that decided the matter would go to trial, appearing in court only when a decision was handed down.

Several family members of Connor and Noah attended the preliminary inquiry, and their paternal grandparents were also present at every other court date in this case.

Mother included in witness list

In court Monday the Crown read a list of witnesses. Those named include the brothers' mother MandyTrecartin as well as several police officers and three doctors.

Savoie was well known in the area before moving away after the tragedy.

Provincial officials have said Savoie's Reptile Ocean pet store and zoo was unlicensed. His apartment was located above the shop.

It is believed the python,which was 4.3 metres long and weighed about 45 kilograms, escaped its enclosure in the apartment, got into theventilation system, then fellthrough the ceiling of the room in which theBarthebrothers were sleeping.

Savoie will be defended byCampbelltonlawyer LeslieMatchim.

The maximum sentence for criminal negligence causing death is life imprisonment.

The trial will begin Tuesdayat 9:30 a.m. andis expected to last until Nov. 11.

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