News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Rows of empty chairs are lined up in front of Alpena County Keri Bertrandlerk before jury selection for Brad Srebnik’s upcoming trial. Srebnik is being charged for the deaths of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill in 2021.

ALPENA — Jury selection for the trial of Brad Srebnik began on Wednesday at the APlex in Alpena. The trial is slated to begin on Jan. 29.

Srebnik is charged with the deaths of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill which occurred in 2021. His charges include two counts of premeditated murder, weapons charges, and disinterment and mutilation of a body. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

The proceeding was held at the APlex because of the volume of jury candidates summoned out of concern that it may be difficult to form a jury, due to the high profile of the case and the media attention it has received around the country.

Alan Curtis, 88th District Court judge, led the proceedings instead of 26th Circuit Court Judge Ed Black. Currently, the State Court Administrative Office is conducting a review of an order made by Black in which he refused to recuse himself from the bench. Defense attorney Patrick Cherry requested a review of Black’s decision by the administrative office and a verdict on whether Black will remain overseeing the case or not is still pending.

When the potential jurors took their seats in the complex’s ballroom, Curtis asked them several questions pertaining to any paid travel plans slated for the trial dates, any health reasons that would make them unable to sit on a jury, and any possible conflicts of interest. Potential jurors were also informed of the graphic material to be shown during the trial and asked that those uncomfortable with proceeding communicate their concerns. The field was then whittled down some.

Soon after that, the first 16 potential jury candidates were asked to come up to the front of the room in a makeshift jury box where they faced more questioning from Cherry and Assistant Attorney General Danielle Hagaman-Clark.

The Attorney General’s Office has been involved in the investigation and court proceedings for much of the way.

One by one, some potential jurors were excused, for one reason or another, while others continued to maintain their seats and their chances of being on the 12-person jury, which will have four alternates.

During the second round of questioning most of the jury candidates admitted they knew some details about the case from media reports and from chatter that was making the rounds in and around Alpena. Both Hagaman-Clark and Cherry asked them if they were able to set aside what they think they know or any perceived notion they have toward the alleged crime, and only form a conclusion on the evidence that is presented in court.

“Think of it as being an umpire,” Hagaman-Clark said. “Call the balls as you see them and call the strikes as you see them, and in the end, come up with a verdict.”

When Hagaman-Clark and Cherry read off the names of the witnesses they intended to put on the stand, there were a few notable inclusions.

Josh Wirgau, who reached a plea deal late last year, is slated to testify against Srebnik. Wirgau’s defense attornies Rick Stieger and Dennis Grenkowicz are also expected to be asked to take the stand.

Wirgau was an accomplice of Srebnik’s in the alleged death of Bills and Hill.

Late last year, Wirgau pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and disinterment and mutilation of a body in the death of Bills and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Hill. Charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm will be dropped.

He could face up to 30 years in prison. He originally faced up to life in prison.

The jury selection was planned to resume this morning.

The trial, if not delayed again, is expected to last about two weeks.

The trial has been moved back several times due to the amount of evidence and witnesses in the case, and because one of the defense’s expert witnesses died.