Presiding judge declares mistrial after jury reports 6-6 deadlock

A presiding judge in the 252nd District Court declared a mistrial on an unspecified criminal case after jurors reported they were deadlocked 6-6 and said they saw "no path forward" to a verdict.

The judge told the courtroom that jurors began deliberations at about 2:00 p.m. the previous day, worked until about 5:00 p.m. and sent out eight questions. The panel resumed at about 9:00 a.m. the next morning and, after additional ballots and a short lunch break, informed the court that they remained deadlocked and requested direction.

"The jury has reviewed the court's charge and after continuing deliberations and after 9 votes are still deadlocked, 6 6, they feel there is not a path forward to a guilty or not guilty verdict and request direction," the judge said, reading the jury's communication. The judge then declared, "I am declaring that this is a mistrial."

Court minutes show the jurors had been deliberating across two days; the judge thanked the jurors and said, "Hung juries are frustrating for everyone, and we know, for you as well," and indicated the case will be placed back on the next available trial docket. The judge also said she would speak informally with jurors after they left the courtroom to thank them.

The courtroom record reflected that the state's attorney, the defendant and defense counsel were present for the hearing. The judge acknowledged several jurors by name while thanking them: Mr. Coleman, Mr. Garce and Ms. Minaldi.

No sentencing, plea or other disposition was announced; the judge said only that the case will be set for trial again on the next available docket. No statutory citation or further scheduling detail was provided on the record.

Copies of the jury's written questions and the exact timing of the next trial setting were not specified during the hearing.