On Trial

11 hours and still deliberating

Jurors weighing Ricky Javon Gray’s life worked through lunch this afternoon as they continued deliberating in the penalty phase of his capital murder trial.
As of 2 p.m., the panel of five men and seven women had deliberated 11 hours over the last two days. They must decide whether to sentence Gray to life in prison or give him the death penalty for the New Year’s Day slayings of the Harvey family.
A vote for death must be unanimous.
If the jury informs Judge Beverly W. Snukals that it is having difficulty reaching a decision, she could read what is known as an “Allen Charge” to the panel—a formal admonition to them to return to the jury room and seek consensus on a verdict.
If the jury still cannot come to a decision, the court could declare the panel deadlocked and impose a default sentence of life in prison without parole for the 29-year-old Gray.

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