By ANDY GARDNER

CANTON -- Jury selection is underway in the murder trial of Oral “Nick” Hillary.

He is accused of strangling to death 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in 2011.

Judge Felix Catena is now questioning 21 potential jurors from a pool of 500.

The proceedings started with Catena asking if any of the first set of jurors would “find it impossible to serve.” He said that could include being the sole caretaker of another person or enrollment in school.

About 20 people stood and were dismissed after speaking with the judge.

From the first set of 21, a potential juror was dismissed after revealing her husband is related to Phillips.

He instructed the potential jurors not to discuss the case with anyone, visit any scenes related to the case or look them up on services like Google Maps, or talk with the attorneys for either side.

The judge also asked if any of the possible jurors know anyone on the prosecution or defense, or if they know any people on a list of more than 50 potential witnesses.

Those who answer yes, he is asking if they can put the relationship aside to render a fair and impartial verdict.

Catina said he expects the trial, including jury selection, testimony and jury deliberation, to last four to five weeks, but “we’re not really sure.”

The judge called a recess at 11:30 a.m. to conference in chambers with several potential jurors who did not want to answer some of his questions in open court.