Potential Bedford jurors examined

Staff and wire reports

ALBUQUERQUE — Jury selection continued Tuesday in the death-penalty trial of Stanley Bedford, who is accused in the killing of Odis and Doris Newman of Portales.

Bedford, 43, of Portales is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and evidence tampering, and one count of possession of stolen property.

Seventy-five potential jurors are being individually questioned regarding their opinions on the death penalty.

“Right now, we’re really focusing on jurors who can guarantee they’ll be impartial to the state and the defense,” District Attorney Matt Chandler said.

Twelve jurors and as many as four alternates are needed.

Chandler said he didn’t think evidence would be introduced before Tuesday.

The trial was moved to Albuquerque after Chandler and defense attorney Gary Mitchell of Ruidoso agreed on the difficulty of finding an impartial jury in Roosevelt County.

Judge Stephen Quinn of the 9th Judicial District is presiding over the trial.

The bodies of Odis Newman, 70, and his wife, Doris Newman, 69, were found March 3, 2005. According to court documents, the Newmans were alive when they were put into the trunk before the car was set on fire.

Jerry Fuller of Portales, a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty Jan. 17 and was sentenced to 127 years in prison.