Motion For Mistrial Denied In Sweat Lodge Case
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) -- A judge overseeing the case of a self-help author charged with manslaughter denied a defense motion to declare a mistrial Wednesday.
Attorneys for James Arthur Ray argued that the judge has reversed a previous ruling by allowing evidence from years of sweat lodge ceremonies led by Ray.
Judge Warren Darrow says prosecutors can introduce that evidence as long as they lay a solid foundation and don't illicit hearsay.
Ray is on trial for the deaths of three people following an October 2009 ceremony he led near Sedona. He has pleaded not guilty.
Ray's attorneys made a motion in open court for a mistrial.
Darrow rejected that and another request to stay the proceedings while the defense considers whether to challenge his ruling with the state Court of Appeals.
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