Inmate Begins Selecting Jurors in Hostage Case
An inmate defending himself against charges he raped a guard and held her captive in a prison watchtower for 15 days politely questioned prospective jurors in Phoenix about whether they had seen the hostage crisis on television.
Security was heavy as jury selection got underway with Ricky Wassenaar acting as his own attorney. Wassenaar, 41, who is serving time for armed robbery and assault, is charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.
He has a court-appointed attorney to assist him but will be allowed to directly question the woman he allegedly took hostage and raped.
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