Day one of the Jerry Sandusky trial captured the attention of those on Penn State’s main campus, just about 10 miles away from the Centre County Courthouse.
The first day of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse trial is now over.
Students at Penn State said they are happy the judge allowed no delays in the start date.
“I feel like the longer it gets put off, it just keeps stressing us out,” said sophomore Bob Laninger. “Just get it over with and see how it turns out.”
The former assistant football coach faces numerous charges he molested young boys for more than a decade, some whom he allegedly met through The Second Mile, a charity Sandusky founded to help at-risk youths.
Many on campus said they plan to follow what happens in Bellefonte daily.
“I’m a local from State College so it’s a pretty big deal in my family because we’re big Penn State fans,” said sophomore Courtney Nellis.
Nine jurors were selected by the end of day one, with most of them telling the judge they have some connection to Sandusky, Penn State or The Second Mile.
Students said they are not surprised to hear that.
“Basically, everyone knows Sandusky in the whole town,” added Nellis.
“It was definitely a big event. It shocked the entire town. Obviously everyone around the country knows about it,” said Laninger.
Mark Lieberman is a criminal attorney from Elysburg who brought his daughter up to tour Penn State’s campus. He said he can see why the judge would allow these jurors to be seated.
“With a case with such national attention, it probably has the same chance for a fair trial in this venue as any other,” said Lieberman.