GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A photo of a woman, who was murdered and dismembered, will not be shown to jurors during the trial of her convicted killer's father.
James Chance's trial began with jury selection on Monday, and opening statements will begin Tuesday morning. He's facing charges of perjury and accessory after the fact. Police say James and Barbara Chance helped their son, Jared, cover up the Dec. 2018 murder and mutilation of 31-year-old Ashley Young. Among other evidence, investigators say the saw used to mutilate Young was found inside the parents' Holland home.
After a jury was selected and released for the day, defense attorney Laura Joyce objected to the prosecution's first proposed piece of evidence. A photo of Young smiling.
Joyce said the photo sought to 'inflame the passions of the jury' and generate sympathy.
Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Boivin said he wanted the jurors to be able to put a face to Ashley's name.
"This isn't a murder trial," Kent County Judge Paul J. Denenfeld told Boivin.
"No, I understand that, but this is about the defendant helping his son get away with her mutilation," replied Boivin.
The judge agreed with the defense. He said any potential relevance of the photo was outweighed by its prejudicial value.
Jurors will likely be shown photos of Young's mutilated body throughout the trial.
Opening statements begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
RELATED VIDEO:
More on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
► Emma Nicolas is a multimedia journalist. Have a news tip or question for Emma? Get in touch by email, Facebook or Twitter.
Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.