Jury Selection Begins Today for Yoder Murder Trial

Jury selection is to begin this morning in the murder trial of Charles Yoder.

The 53-year-old Yoder is charged with the stabbing death of Ted Debany outside the home they shared with Yoder's sister in Effingham on May 7, 2013. State's Attorney Bryan Kibler has indicated he plans to seek a sentence of natural life in prison if Yoder is found guilty on any of the three counts he faces.

Judge Kimberly Koester says that once the jury panel is chosen for Yoder's trial, jury selection will begin for the trial of Jay Miller of Altamont. The 22-year-old Miller is charged with two counts including drug induced homicide related to the death of an Effingham woman.

Once the jury is in place for Miller's trial, Yoder's trial will begin, to be followed by Miller's trial.

Both Yoder and Miller are being held in Effingham County Jail.