Monday, March 1, 2010

Mark Becker Trial: Jury Given "Allen Charge" On Day 4

((HT: KCRG-TV))

The jury commissioned in the trial of Mark Becker continued its deliberation in Allison, Iowa Monday morning at 11AM eastern time.

They adjourned for the weekend without reaching a decision of "guilty" or "not guilty by reason of insanity" for Becker in the June murder of Aplington-Parkersburg High School ((IA)) head football coach Ed Thomas.

The judge gave an "Allen Charge" to the jurors late Monday morning after, about 40 minutes of resuming their duty.

He referred to the jury instruction which informs them "...it's their duty to agree on a verdict... not to hesitate... to reexamine their views and opinions if convinced it's wrong... but don't change your opinion as to the weight or effect of the evidence just because it is the opinion of the other jurors, or for the mere purpose of returning a verdict."

The judge went on to say: "Remember, you are the judges of the facts. Your sole duty is to find the truth and do justice."

TV9's Dave Franzman was outside for his live shot on a rare, sunny day during the trial... thanks again to our friends at KCRG-TV

No comments: