Jury selection underway in the trial of former Rutgers' student Dharun Ravi

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Dharun Ravi

/ Pool,AP Photo/Mark R. Sullivan, File

(CBS/AP) NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - The trial of a former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi, accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate Tyler Clementi's intimate encounter with another man, could reveal some of the mystery that surrounds the case if the unidentified man in the video is called to testify.

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Ravi is charged with bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and hindering prosecution in the case that sparked a national conversation about bullying after Clementi committed suicide in September 2010.

The 19-year-old Ravi rejected a plea bargain offer that would have let him avoid any jail time and receive the state's help if federal authorities tried to deport him to India, where he was born. Lawyer Steven Altman said his client didn't accept the deal because he's not guilty of any crimes.

If the other man in the video is brought to the witness stand, his testimony could become a key part of the trial. He's been identified publicly only by the initials M.B.

A legal battle in the case leading up to the trial focused on whether Ravi and his lawyers could learn the man's identity. Eventually, the judge ruled they could. If he testifies, his full name is expected to be used.

About 2,000 Middlesex County residents were called for jury duty for the case, most of who said they could not serve because it would create a hardship.

More than 200 came to court Friday to fill out a 17-page questionnaire that probed issues such as how they feel about gays and whether they've ever had problems with a roommate.

Lawyers and Judge Glenn Berman will meet Tuesday to determine which prospective jurors may have biases or know witnesses and should be removed from the list. On Wednesday, they will start questioning prospective jurors in hopes of finding 12 people plus alternates who can serve in the high-profile case. The process is expected to last at least a few days.

The trial itself, which is expected to delve into text messages, tweets and online chats from Clementi and Ravi, is projected to last about four weeks.

Complete Coverage of Tyler Clementi on Crimesider

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by quinsmith February 24, 2012 3:09 AM EST: Circumstances like this is inpredictable, that's why prevention is still better than cure. Thus, I would highly suggest this App that I am using a few months from now, which I'm pretty sure not only yourself could benifit but the rest of your siblings. It's a panic button that is easy installed on your smartphone and have a quick access to 911 with a Safety Neighbor program. You can check it out here http://safetrec.com/; Reply to this comment


by lin1945-2009 February 21, 2012 11:59 AM EST: Ravi was not so smart to decline the plea deal. After serving time he will be deported and separated from his family. With Wei testifying against him I don't see where he has a chance to be found not guilty.; Reply to this comment