Hung Jury in Attempted-Murder Trial of DC Officer; Bond Revoked
LANHAM, Md. (AP) -- Maryland prosecutors say they'll try again after a Prince George's County jury deadlocked in the attempted-murder trial of a District of Columbia police officer accused of trying to kill his wife.
A Prince George's County judge revoked the bond of a Metropolitan Police Department officer charged with trying to kill his wife for violating a stay-away order by sending her text messages and initiating visits.
During his trial testimony this week, 46-year-old Samson Lawrence said he had been in contact with his wife. A Prince George's County Circuit judge ordered a review of Lawrence's wife's text messages, and found that Lawrence had indeed violated the stay-away order.
Lawrence's bond was revoked Friday.
The trial ended in a hung jury and a mistrial Thursday in Lanham. The jury deliberated several hours. A new trial is set to start Nov. 17.
Lawrence faced two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and two other charges. Police and prosecutors say he hit his wife in the head with a metal light fixture in November.
Lawyers were due back in court Friday for a hearing on two issues. One is to determine whether Lawrence violated an order requiring him to stay away from his wife. The other is to set a new trial date.
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