Jason Strickland, of Springfield, has began his trial. Jason Strickland was charged with child abuse of his stepdaughter, Haleigh Poutre, 14. Jury selection started on Oct. 29. The judge had to excuse more than 60 jurors because they said they could not be impartial

Jason Strickland, 34, an auto mechanic, was accused of child abuse against Haleigh Poutre. Poutre had severe head injuries and fell unconscious in Sept. 2005.

Jason Strickland’s wife, Holli Strickland had adopted Haleigh Poutre and was her main caregiver but the prosecution will argue that Jason also had a hand in abusing Haleigh Poutre. Jason Strickland said that Poutre had a psychological disorder that caused her to do self-harm. Holli Strickland died in a murder suicide pact after she was charged with child abuse of Haleigh Poutre. Poutre may be called to give testimony only after the judge has a special hearing to determine her competency. Poutre has recovered sufficiently to talk and attend day school but lives in a rehabilitation center in Brighton.

Updated Fri. Dec. 19.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 30th, 2008 at 5:12 am and is filed under News.