Some members of the jury in the R. Kelly case exhibited odd behavior in the closing days of the more than two-weeks-long child pornography trial.
After two days of defense testimony%uFFFDwhere neither Kelly nor the alleged victim took the stand, the jury heard closing arguments and began deliberations on Thursday. But on Friday, hours before the jury would reach a verdict in the case where the R&B singer faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Vincent Gaughan found himself dealing with individual juror issues. Gaughan read a note from a juror: “How can I be removed and go home? I really need to.” The juror, a Black man who appears to be in his 40s, is an aspiring chef. Earlier, another juror found himself in front of the judge and threatened with dismissal after he threw a tantrum at dinner Thursday. An hour after the sequestered jury resumed deliberations Friday, the judge was notified that one of the jurors became irate, spewed profanities and pounded on the table after apparently slow service at dinner the night before. “All I want is a couple of beers and a hamburger. That’s all the f— I want,” the juror said, according to a sheriff’s deputy. Deputies, at the undisclosed eating location, asked him to tone down his antics. He refused and was asked to step outside. Once outside the presence of fellow jurors, the man continued to show “odd behavior” and laughter, the deputy said. Gaughan interrogated the juror and asked for an explanation. The man began smiling and chuckling. “What are you laughing at? You’re grinning at me. Do you have mental problems?” an irritated Gaughan asked the juror. The man responded, “No.” The judge then told the man, who is white and appears to be in his 30s, that he could be dismissed, at which time the defense stood up and objected. Gaughan then asked the rest of the jury if they could continue deliberation with the man still as a decision maker. They said they could. The juror was then told his conduct was “apprehensive,” and no more outbursts would be tolerated. Hours later, the jury returned a not-guilty verdict in the case. ______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
