HAMPTON, Va. — The trial for Cory Bigsby, the man accused of murdering his son Codi, began on Monday.
The 4-year-old boy was reported missing in January 2022 by his father, Cory Bigsby. The child’s body has not been discovered, but police say they believe he is deceased.
The Commonwealth's Attorney indicated that family of Codi Bigsby could be called to testify this week, including his mother.
Hampton
Documents: Confession of Cory Bigsby in death of son Codi Bigsby
Jury selection began Monday morning at Hampton Circuit Court with Judge James Hawks presiding. During the morning hours, Hawks would not allow the public into the courtroom during the process but he did open the courtroom in the afternoon.
Commonwealth's Attorney Anton Bell and defense attorney Curtis Brown questioned potential jurors, one by one. They would ask questions inquiring about their knowledge of the case including media exposure. They also asked about any encounters with law enforcement officers.
Late Monday afternoon, a potential juror said in court that another potential juror had made a comment about the Bigsby case to her while in the courthouse. Afterward, Brown told the judge, "Your Honor, I'm moving for a mistrial!"
Judge Hawks overruled, and the selection process continued.
Attorney Sonny Stallings, who is not affiliated with this case, recently told News 3 it would likely take a day or two to pick the jury.
Disappearance of Codi Bigsby
Cory Bigsby, Hampton man accused in son Codi's death, has pre-trial hearing
"A lot of jurors are going to have heard about this," Stallings said.
The court is trying to pick a potential pool of 24 jurors, 69 were called to Hampton Circuit Court. It will be narrowed down to 14 which would include two alternates. That process will resume Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Alissa Hendry is a concerned citizen who says she's part of "Team Codi." On Monday, outside the courthouse, she said she believes they'll do everything they can to seat an impartial jury, but she also suspects most have heard of this case.
"There are people that haven’t formed an opinion who have said, ‘Well, you know, I don’t know. Let me wait and see,'" stated Hendry.
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The case of a missing Hampton toddler: Where is Codi Bigsby?
In June 2023, Bigsby was indicted on murder charges.
Bigsby is charged with murder and concealing the body. He also faces charges of child neglect which authorities say are not related to Codi’s disappearance.
The father has been out on bond since the summer of 2023.
We'll have a crew covering the trial throughout the week.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
