Christopher E. Russell is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the death of 3-month-old Colin Eugene Russell.
Colin RussellJASPER, Tenn. – Jury selection is over in the trial of Christopher Russell, a Marion County father charged in the 2012 battering death of his 3-month-old son.
Attorneys for defendant Christopher E. Russell and the prosecution wrapped up jury selection this morning and opening statements are on tap for this afternoon on Russell’s charges of felony murder and aggravated child abuse.
A sequestered jury of seven men and seven women, including two alternates, will hear the case. When deliberations begin, two of the jurors will be released.
Russell is accused in the June 23, 2012, death of infant Colin Eugene Russell who was hospitalized after he stopped breathing on June 17, 2012. The baby was first taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Family members made the decision to remove the baby from life support six days later.
An autopsy revealed numerous injuries, including blood clotting in several areas of his brain and “extensive” hemorrhaging in the optic nerves of both the baby’s eyes.