Jury selection, trial begins for 15-year-old accused of sexually assaulting elderly woman at knifepoint

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The jury trial for a 15-year-old boy charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a then-87-year-old woman at knifepoint began Tuesday.

A total of 12 jurors were selected at the Waukesha County Courthouse to decide Khalil Perry's fate--he faces four felony counts in connection to an incident that took place outside the Waukesha Public Library in November 2021.

Perry was charged with first-degree sexual assault - use of a dangerous weapon, armed robbery with use of force, operate without consent - possess weapon, and kidnapping/seize or confine without consent - use of a dangerous weapon.

Perry has plead not guilty to each and every count.

Opening statements did not last long.

"At the end of this, it will be starkly clear, all the contrast involved: the contrast between decency to selfishness, the contrast between community help and impulsivity, the contrast between an 87-year-old good woman, and a 14-year-old who was completely lost in his heart," said State Attorney Michael Thurston to the jury.

On the other hand, the teen's attorney, Nicole Marie Ostrowski, spoke of how she does not expect the jury to be experts on DNA and DNA testing but "we do believe that you will walk away with at least the understanding of how easilt the tiniest bit of DNA can be transferred, and how in every single moment of every single day we are leaving a trail of DNA behind us everywhere that we go."

"Some of the allegations you hear don’t add up," she went on to say. "We accept and embrace the truth; Khalil has already owned up to the truth in his statement to Detective Stutter on the date in question. What we will ask you to do is hold the state to its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt."

Following brief opening statements, the first two to take the stand were Waukesha Police Officers Brandon Kircher, who pointed toward the first piece of evidence, a map to show where he located the stolen car, and Officer Benjamin Stern, who said he made contact with Perry and discovered a knife in his possession.

"This is the folding knife that was in the photographs, as well as the same folding knife that was located on Khalil Perry when he was arrested," said Stern as he held the piece of evidence placed inside a transparent plastic bag.

If convicted, he could face up to 185 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $300,000. Judge Jennifer Dorow said she expects the case to last about three days.

Perry is Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson's nephew.

A six-page criminal complaint describes in detail how Perry allegedly put a knife to the victim's neck, demanded she get into her car or "he would slit her throat," forced her to perform a sex act and then tried to rape her.

During the alleged attack, Perry told the victim he was the devil and threatened to kill her family if she went to police.

According to the victim, she was eventually let out, and Perry then stole her car and credit card.

Perry's attorney asked for a signature bond last April but the state requested a bond of $250,000 which was granted.

The trial is expected to continue Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.