Public Media from Michigan State University

Ill will for slain activist as Owosso trial nears

By AP

OWOSSO, MI –

Jury selection could be difficult Tuesday as trial opens for a man charged with killing an anti-abortion activist and a business owner in Owosso.

Shiawassee County prosecutors have warned that it will be "almost impossible" to pick jurors who don't have opinions of one of the victims, James Pouillon, who aggressively protested abortion for years in Owosso.

Judge Gerald Lostracco won't move the trial unless he can't find a fair-minded jury.

Pouillon and business owner Mike Fuoss were fatally shot in September. Pouillon was protesting with a sign of a dead fetus when he was gunned down near Owosso High School. Harlan Drake's lawyer is pursuing an insanity defense.

Pouillon was disliked in Owosso because of his signs and verbal taunts.

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