RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Dozens of potential jurors were dismissed Wednesday from Angela Pollina's trial for the murder of 8-year-old Thomas Valva after admitting they could not be impartial.
"People have preconceived notions. It's to be expected," her attorney Matthew Tuohy told Newsday. "So she's OK. She's in good spirits."
Pollina, the ex-fiancee of Thomas' father, Michael Valva has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death.
She is also charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child for the alleged abuse of both Thomas and his 10-year-old brother, Anthony.
Pollina has pleaded not guilty.
Valva, a former NYPD officer, was convicted at trial last year and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing Thomas.
Prosecutors have said Thomas lived a horrific life of abuse inside the couple’s Center Moriches home. Thomas died in January 2020, a day after sleeping in the garage of the family's home as temperatures dropped below 20 degrees.
A medical examiner ruled the boy's death a homicide and found that hypothermia was a major contributing factor. Prosecutors said Thomas and Anthony were both on the autism spectrum and were at times forced to sleep in the garage.
According to the report, after interviewing more than 240 potential jurors on the first day of jury selection for Pollina's trial, the court was left with only 49 possible jurors after the morning session.
Those who were excluded said they couldn't be fair and impartial, while others cited medical issues and financial challenges. Those who remain have been told to return to the courthouse on Thursday to resume the jury selection process.
Tuohy told WCBS 880 that Pollina is not guilty of murder and sought to "help" Thomas.
"My client just happened to be in the house," he said. "The only thing she did was actually try to help the boy. She brought blankets in to warm him up."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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