Pocono News Section

Jury Selected in Stephen Scher Re-Trial

Jury Selected in Stephen Scher Re-Trial - Monday, March 3, 2008 at 7:24PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Mar 3, 2008 @07:24pm EST
MONTROSE, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY - After just about four hours Monday morning, a jury was selected to hear the high profile murder re-trial of Doctor Stephen Scher in Susquehanna County.

The exact jury has not been chosen, but 16 people were told to report for opening arguments Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM. The jury will be made up of 12 jurors and four alternates. A total of twelve women and four men were told to report Tuesday.

Looking considerably older and needing help down the stairs, Doctor Stephen Scher left the Susquehanna County courthouse minutes after the jury was seated. People on the streets of Montrose, where Scher used to practice, can't believe his case is back in the news.

"He was our family doctor years ago. I always liked him. I never really knew what happened there," a woman named Shirley told us.

More than 110 jurors showed up to be questioned for the jury. In the end, 16 were chosen, but interest in the case goes well beyond the courthouse.

"I'm interested in it to the degree that he is really trying to prove something that a lot of people don't believe," Bruce Rossman of Bridgewater Township said.

Scher is accused of killing his best friend, Martin Dillon, during a hunting trip in 1976. He was arrested and convicted 20 years later but the case was overturned twice on appeal. Prosecutors say a love affair played a role in the motive.

"It was a long time ago, as they say about evidence, the longer you wait, the more difficult it is to use that evidence one way or another," Rossman said.

"I've heard of three strikes and you're out when you're out, you're going to play hardball and he's playing hardball," Joe Dunnett of Montrose said.

Also playing hardball is prosecutor Pat Blessington who has boxes of evidence and more than 35 potential witnesses to call. Defense attorney Joshua Lock is also prepared to fight. He says Scher is now divorced and will most likely take the stand in his own defense again during this trial.

"It's interesting that here it comes again. I'm sure the family will be glad when it's finally done," Shirley said.

Stay with WYOU News and WBRE News for continuing live coverage of the Stephen Scher re-trial in Susquehanna County.