Post by SoulTrainOz on Jun 18, 2006 3:22:47 GMT -5
In Lumberton, a judge today declared a mistrial in the case of a Cary contractor charged with 1st-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, a crime prosecutors said was carried out for money.
Jurors were deadlocked 11-1 and court officials did not say whether the majority favored guilt or innocence in the trial of Myron Britt. On Thursday, jurors had asked to see and hear more evidence.
Britt was charged with killing his wife, Nancy, who was a popular Wake County teacher, in August 2003 at her sister's home in Lumberton.
Prosecutors argued that Myron Britt was in financial trouble and wanted to collect $800,000 in life insurance on his wife. The defense said the couple was happy and solvent.
Britt could have faced a death sentence if convicted.
During deliberations, the jury asked for evidence including an autopsy report, tax returns, insurance documents, photos, a 911 tape and bullet photos presented by the defense.
The jury sent out 3 notes by 3 p.m. Thursday, each asking for evidence. The 4th note at 4:30 p.m. prompted a closed conference with the judge and attorneys and the jury was dismissed for the day afterward.
At one point Thursday, Myron Britt's daughter apologized for her emotional outbursts during a statement by the prosecutor that her father failed to pick up her mother's remains.
The judge had threatened to bar Lauren Britt from the trial. But after she apologized, he said she could stay.
(source: News & Observer)
Jurors were deadlocked 11-1 and court officials did not say whether the majority favored guilt or innocence in the trial of Myron Britt. On Thursday, jurors had asked to see and hear more evidence.
Britt was charged with killing his wife, Nancy, who was a popular Wake County teacher, in August 2003 at her sister's home in Lumberton.
Prosecutors argued that Myron Britt was in financial trouble and wanted to collect $800,000 in life insurance on his wife. The defense said the couple was happy and solvent.
Britt could have faced a death sentence if convicted.
During deliberations, the jury asked for evidence including an autopsy report, tax returns, insurance documents, photos, a 911 tape and bullet photos presented by the defense.
The jury sent out 3 notes by 3 p.m. Thursday, each asking for evidence. The 4th note at 4:30 p.m. prompted a closed conference with the judge and attorneys and the jury was dismissed for the day afterward.
At one point Thursday, Myron Britt's daughter apologized for her emotional outbursts during a statement by the prosecutor that her father failed to pick up her mother's remains.
The judge had threatened to bar Lauren Britt from the trial. But after she apologized, he said she could stay.
(source: News & Observer)