Potential jurors quizzed in child-homicide trial

PROVO — Attorneys began Monday interviewing potential jurors in the trial of a Springville couple charged with child-abuse homicide.

The charges against Richard and Jennete Killpack stem from a 2002 incident when their adopted daughter, Cassandra, died as a result of ingesting too much water.

Prosecutors accuse the Killpacks of tying up the child and forcing her to drink water until she passed out. But the couple said they were acting on a therapist's advice and did not know the punishment could be deadly.

The Killpacks also are charged with two charges of child neglect/abuse — one second-degree felony and one third-degree felony.

More than 90 jurors filled out a 101-item questionnaire last week.

Questions dealt with such topics as mental health professionals, home schooling and corporal punishment.

Final jury selection and opening arguments are expected to start Friday.