CONWAY, SC (WBTW)- Tammy Moorer will be tried for kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap in the 2013 disappearance of Heather Elvis. Elvis’ body was never found, but police believe she’s dead.
It took nearly seven hours for a jury to be selected Monday because this is a high profile case.
A handful of potential jurors knew someone on the potential witness list, and some knew family members of Heather Elvis. When the jury pool was asked if they knew anything about the case more than half stood up.
Judge Culbertson called in those who stood up one by one to ask additional questions to make sure they seat an unbiased jury.
Judge Culbertson also heard pretrial motions on Monday.
Judge Culbertson ruled in favor of the prosecution to suppress an alibi for Tammy Moorer because the defense did not give the state enough notice of witnesses to Tammy’s alibi.
The state also asked the judge to allow a statement from Sidney Moorer to police, but for that to happen there was discussion about Sidney Moorer being brought in from Lee Correctional Facility to see if he will testify or plea the 5th.
Sidney Moorer was tried for kidnapping in 2016, but the trial ended in a hung jury. He will be tried at a later date.
The prosecution called Carmen Rodriguez to the stand on Monday. Rodriguez was an employee with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office and said Tammy Moorer came to the police department with concerns about being harassed. Rodriguez said Tammy Moorer willingly gave a statement at that time and ws not in custody. An audio recording of the statement was played in court. Judge Culbertson will allow the audio to be included in trial, but part of it must be redacted.
Both Sidney and Tammy Moorer could take the stand this week. Both are on the potential witness list.
Opening arguments are expected to start Tuesday.
