Potential Jurors Questioned in Blankeship Case
A questionnaire distributed to potential jurors asks whether they have formed any opinions about former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. Other questions include whether potential jurors have formed any opinions about other investigations, trials and indictments related to the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine that killed 29 men. Jurors also were asked whether they or any close family member ever worked in the coal mining industry. Blankenship faces charges that he conspired to violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch. His trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.