Jennings Trial Day 2: Opening arguments

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Opening arguments are set to begin in the trial of Zinah Jennings, mother of missing Midlands toddler, Amir Jennings focused on picking a jury. Jennings is charged with Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child after police say she repeatedly lied to them about the whereabouts of her then 18 month old son, Amir Jennings. Amir is now 2 years old, but hasn’t been seen since last Thanksgiving. The day-long jury selection process started Monday around 9:30 in the morning with hundreds of potential jurors only to be narrowed to about 50 by the afternoon. By Monday evening, 8 women and 4 men were seated. Zinah Jennings was present for the jury selection process, but did not look at the potential jurors, except to stand and be introduced to them. Her defense team and the prosecution did interact with possible jurors during the selection process. Jennings remained seated quietly with her back turned to the jury panel, who by law cannot be identified. Members of the Jennings family, including Zinah’s mother Jocelyn Jennings, were seated in the upper deck of the courtroom during the jury selection process. The possible jurors were questioned by Judge Knox McMahon about their knowledge of the case and their relationship with the defense, prosecution and any potential witnesses. Judge McMahon also read the indictment against Zinah Jennings aloud to the possible jurors, but cautioned them that it was not evidence but simply allegations. At one point, Judge McMahon interviewed the possible jurors one by one about their knowledge of the case. Also on Monday, a physician with the South Carolina Department of Health testified that Zinah Jennings is competent to stand trial. Testimony in the case is expected to start Tuesday. Jennings faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.