Jury selection underway for trial of man accused of killing Winter Park nanny

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Jury selection is underway for the trial of the man accused of kidnapping and killing a Winter Park assistant in 2017.

The process is expected to take days due to the publicity the case has had over the past year and a half. A pool of at least 400 potential jurors will be considered.

Scott Nelson is accused of breaking into a Winter Park home, kidnapping Jennifer Lynn Fulford and then leaving her body -- her face wrapped in duct tape and wrists and ankles tied -- in Orlando.

Nelson took notes while listening to potential jurors explain to the judge how a lengthy trial could affect them. The judge said the trial could last until July 5.

"What you're going to see out of the starting gate is a very methodical jury selection process both from the state and the defense,” WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said. “They're going to weed out anyone who has heard something about this case and has formed a fixed opinion."

Sheaffer believes Nelson is at a disadvantage after an alleged confession he made.

While in prison, records show Nelson wrote a letter where he complained about a lack of food.

Officials said he offered to confess to other robberies and unsolved murders. In exchange, he requested more food, a private cell and a bottom bunk bed.

Defense attorneys said he thought police would help get him better conditions on the inside, and that's why he talked about Fulford's alleged murder and helped police locate a knife.

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Defense attorneys unsuccessfully fought to get the confession thrown out of court. Prosecutors said he was never promised anything and was read his rights.

"Often in a prosecution a confession is the golden ticket to a conviction, more often than not a jury places great weight on the confession," Sheaffer said.

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Leading up to the trial, Nelson had a chance to listen to plea offers, but he declined.

The defense is expected to focus on Nelson's mental health and struggles as a child. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

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