Bertrand murder trial begins

Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of Kerry Bertrand, who stands accused of second-degree murder in the death of his stepdaughter, Skylar Credeur, in August 2013.
After the potential jurors packed the courtroom, Judge Kristian Earles thanked them for “performing their civic duty,” adding, “Those who did not show up this morning will be dealt with.”
After Deputy Court Clerk Jessica Lyons called role and swore potential jurors in, Earles went over the stipulations that a juror requires, including having lived in the United States for a year, be at least 18 years old and having the ability to understand, write and read English.
“During the next few days you will hear some testimony, some of it graphic,” he added. “I need to make sure you can be here for two days of testimony without discussing the case.”
Out of a pool of several dozen potential jurors that showed up Tuesday morning, 12 will be selected and 10 of them have to be in agreement to reach a verdict.
A conviction of second degree murder carries a life sentence with no possibility of ever getting out of prison.
Bertrand has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Credeur had accused Bertrand of physical and sexual abuse. He was subsequently arrested and spent two months in the Acadia Parish Jail before his attorney at the time, Kim Hayes, filed a Writ of Habeus Corpus, claiming his right to a speedy trial had been violated. Judge Edward Rubin agreed and Bertrand was freed on Aug. 12, 2013.
Credeur was murdered nine days later on Aug. 21.
Credeur claimed that Bertrand had threatened her the day he was released and she filed for a restraining order. In a cruel twist of irony, the restraining order against Bertrand was issued on Aug. 23 — two days after she was killed.
Assistant District Attorney Burleigh Doga is prosecuting the case. On Tuesday, he was joined at the prosecutor’s table by 15th Judicial District Attorney Keith Stutes.
Bertrand is being represented by Thomas Alonzo of Lafayette.
Opening statements were heard Tuesday afternoon. Testimony will, in all likelihood, begin Wednesday morning.