In Second Full Day Of Deliberations, Jury In Philadelphia Priest Trial Says They're At An Impasse
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In its second full day of deliberations, the jury in the case of a suspended Philadelphia priest has told the judge they are "at an impasse". He's accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old altar boy in 1997. The judge told them to continue talking it over.
KYW's Steve Tawa has the latest from the Criminal Justice Center.
After 14 hours of deliberations, the jury sent the judge a note - its 5th correspondence - writing it was "at an impasse, unable to reconcile their differences."
Judge Gwendolyn Bright asked the jury foreman - wearing a short sleeve Flyers shirt - and one of two men on the panel - whether she could clarify a point of law.
He replied "no," and added based on her question, "there is reasonable probability that the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict."
The judge then sent them back for more deliberation. An hour later, the jury returned to say they've "ended discussions for the day," and would pick up talks in the morning.
Outside the courtroom, out of the woods for the moment, Father Andrew McCormick hugged a few of his supporters and shook hands with others.
His first trial last year ended with a hung jury, after four days of deliberations.