Allan Kustok Murder Trial Opens With 7 Picked in Marathon Jury Selection

Accused wife-killer Allan Kustok welcomed the 75 men and women who may sit on the jury for his murder trial with a pleasant, "Good morning ladies and gentlemen."

By Tuesday night, 15 of those 75 had been dismissed and seven others were picked for the panel.

Jury selection was scheduled to continue Wednesday morning. Of the seven already selected, six are women. Fourteen potential jurors were dismissed after questioning by attorneys and Cook County Judge John Hynes. A 15th also apparently was allowed to leave, possibly for medical reasons.

Kustok, 63, faces a charge of first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his wife, Anita "Jeanie" Kustok, in the face in September 2010. After the shooting, Allan Kustok reportedly wrapped her in sheets and a blanket and drove her to Palos Community Hospital.

Shortly before the shooting, Allan Kustok reportedly bought his wife the gun that killed her, a .357 Magnum, as an anniversary present. Kustok has reportedly claimed his wife shot herself with the anniversary gift.

Kustok's daughter, Sarah Kustok, a Brooklyn Nets reporter for the YES Network, sat behind him in the gallery throughout the lengthy jury selection. Kustok's son, former Northwestern University quarterback Zak Kustok, did not attend the hearing.

Prosecutor Jennifer Gonzalez told Judge Hynes she received a telephone call from Zak Kustok over the weekend. He had received a subpoena and wanted to know if he had to be in court Wednesday, Gonzalez said.

Defense attorney Rick Beuke, who apparently issued the subpoena, told the judge Zak Kustok would not be needed in court that day.

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