The jury in the Arthur Davies trial came back Thursday near the end of the day, informing Judge Christopher Pallone that they have not been able to come to a unanimous verdict. During deliberations on Thursday and Friday, the jury posed questions about the two charges: first degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. State Attorney Charles Tsuei and Defensive Attorney Zulu Ali worked with Judge Pallone to return instructions to clear up possible confusion between the charges – Davies can be found guilty of First Degree Murder or Second Degree murder if the jury believes he killed 17-month old Parker Schumacher with premeditation.
The charge of involuntary manslaughter would be applied if they believe Davies killed the toddler, but did not intend to.
In an informal poll of the jury, 11 of the 12 jurors, including the one juror who says they are possibly deadlocks – said that they believe further instruction and information could free the deadlock – with multiple jurors stating “there’s always hope.”
If the jury had not come back with the possible deadlock, they would be in session this morning. However, Judge Pallone said he hopes the long weekend will help move the jury toward a verdict – and because of several jurors’ plans for the long weekend, the trial will be adjourned until Tuesday.
It’s possible that if the jury remains deadlocked and can’t come to a unanimous decision, the trial for the 2018 murder could be retried with a new jury.
