After days of deliberations, multiple notes to the judge and repeated urging to keep trying to reach a decision, a mistrial was declared.
The lead-up to the mistrial came with its own drama, including a last-ditch attempt by Clancy’s lawyer to have a juror removed, delaying the judge’s plan to declare a mistrial.
A note from the jury on Thursday indicated that a member was holding up proceedings and not following the judge’s directions about reasonable doubt. Reddington called for their removal.
Sullivan denied the request and instructed the jury again on reasonable doubt as Clancy appeared emotional, putting her head in her lap.
Clancy’s lawyer slammed down papers and crossed his arms in frustration during conversations with the judge, later telling the press that the singled-out juror would be “identified” in an “inquiry” by the judge.
Moments before Sullivan declared a mistrial on Friday, Reddington continued to push back, filing an appeal to the state’s highest court to stop Sullivan’s declaration, insisting that Sullivan had the power to dismiss the juror.
“Unfortunately, they’re not holding out based on a good-faith issue,” he said.
The judge denied the request, and officially declared a mistrial, sending home the jurors without further obligations in the trial.
With additional reporting from Ana Faguy and Brandon Drenon
If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org.
In the UK a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
