Posted on 06/12/2014 5:40:59 PM PDT by BenLurkin
FRESNO, Calif. – A burglary defendant who won his freedom because of a jury's mistake lost his life a few hours later when he was stabbed to death in a fight.
The jury in the trial of Bobby Lee Pearson, 37, mistakenly signed a not-guilty form Wednesday, and the flabbergasted judge said he had no choice but to order him to be released from jail because the verdict had already been put on the record.
It was too late when the judge finally learned that the jury was unable to reach a verdict, stalling on an 8-4 vote in favor of guilt. Prosecutors might have had an opportunity to retry Pearson, but by then, changing the verdict form would have exposed Pearson to double jeopardy.
After being released from jail, Pearson went to the home of his sister, Lasandra Jackson, to get some clothing and belongings. Fresno police Chief Jerry Dyer said Pearson apparently got into a fight with his sister's boyfriend, 35-year-old Willie Gray.
The two had a history of problems, said Dyer, adding that investigators believe Gray killed Pearson, who was found dead in the street with a chest wound from a knife or gun and a cut on his stomach. Investigators found a steak knife near the body, Dyer said.
Gray was arrested and treated for injuries to his hands before being booked on suspicion of murder, said Dyer, adding that Pearson might still be alive if it weren't for the jury's "mishap." Pearson had a long criminal past, Dyer said
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Karma chameleon, or Darwin Gonna Getcha?
"All's well that ends well."
Still not seeing much downside to this turn of events...in this instance.
His family should sue the court!
I guess it was his day to go, and this way, we probably got two for the price of one.
I thought that when the jury’s verdict is handed down the individual jurors are polled to ensure that they agree with the verdict as read.
Don't laugh...I'd bet the clothes on my back that they will.Some slimy lawyer will contact the family.
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