Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Jury selection for the murder trial of Jason Ryan started at 8:30 a.m. today in in Kosciusko Circuit Court.
Ryan, 29, of Phoenix, Ariz., is accused of the April 2001 murder of Jill Phillips, then 25, of Syracuse. Phillips was reported missing April 9, 2001, and her body was found June 10, 2001, in Turkey Creek, Syracuse. According to police, paternity tests have proven that Phillips and Ryan have one child together.
According to information in the probable cause affidavit, Phillips was drowned, though Kosciusko County Coroner Larry Ladd ruled in 2001 that she died of "homicidal violence."
Ryan entered a plea of not guilty in Kosciusko Circuit Court in July.
If convicted, Ryan faces 45-65 years in prison. Death or life in prison without parole are possible sentences if specific facts can be proved, though the prosecution has not requested that those sentences be considered.
Jury selection is expected to finish today, and Ryan's trial will begin Wednesday. The Justice Building is closed Tuesday for the election.
