Harris Deliberations Continue

The judge ordered a deadlocked jury to continue deliberating yesterday in the third Cal Harris murder trial. Judge George Bartlett re-read the Allen Charge and additional instructions to jurors Tuesday morning. Jurors retired to the jury room just before 11 a.m. to continue deliberating for a ninth day. The judge told jurors given the length and complexity of this trial, he does not feel enough time has been spent deliberating to warrant a hung jury. Bartlett told jurors to report back to the court if they can’t reach a verdict, but added that “after further deliberations, most juries are able to reach a unanimous verdict”. During the instructions, it appeared one female juror was crying. Bartlett encouraged jurors to continue deliberating with open minds. Bartlett also denied two mistrial motions from the defense yesterday. The jury will reconvene today for its tenth day of deliberations. Because of a juror appointment, the jury will be dismissed at noon today if deliberations are still ongoing.