Jurors to see graphic photos of Carthage shooting

ALBEMARLE, NC (AP) — Defense lawyers for a man accused of killing eight people at a nursing home in Carthage will show jurors graphic photos of the elderly victims.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that an attorney for Robert Stewart plans to introduce the photos, saying it will help them reach a fair decision.

Attorneys have said they plan a defense for Stewart based on claims of limited mental capacity at the time of the shootings in 2009.

Stewart is charged with murder at the nursing home where his estranged wife worked. Seven nursing home patients and a nurse were killed.

Jury selection was moved from Moore County to Stanly County because of the widespread publicity.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers are looking for 12 jurors and at least three alternates.
—
Information from: The Fayetteville Observer, http://www.fayobserver.com

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)