Schwander is charged with first degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Carly Lewis.
Schwander is charged with first degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Carly Lewis.
TRAVERSE CITY -- UPDATE: 3:15 p.m.:
Opening statements were completed early this afternoon and the first witnesses are being called to the stand in the murder trial of Robert Schwander. The jury was seated by noon and opening arguments began at 1 pm.
The jury consists of four women and eight men. There are two male alternate jurors. The professions of the jurors include a football coach, a farmer, social worker, college professor and a convention coordinator among others.
Schwander is charged with open murder in the death of 16-year-old Carly Lewis. Carly was last seen alive on June 2. Friends told police she was supposed to meet a classmate at Glen's grocery store in Traverse City, but never arrived.
On June 14 investigators found the teenagers body in a sand pile off Woodmere Avenue. Police say Robert "Jensen" Schwander, a person Carly trusted, led them to the location.
On June 16 Schwander was arraigned. He is being charged with Open Murder. In the months to follow, Schwander's defense team requested a change of venue for the trial. The request was denied.
Now, more than four months after Carly was reported missing, Schwander will stand trial. It's expected to last 7 days.
To see a timeline of events click on the video player above.
7&4 News will be in the courtroom throughout the proceedings and will bring you all of the latest details.
