BREAKING: According to Tish Clark the jury in the trial of Quinton Tellis for the murder of Jessica Chambers, has reached a verdict:
MISTRIAL!
After an afternoon of absolute chaos in the jury deliberation process the jury states they are deadlocked. The judge in the trial of Quinton Tellis declares a mistrial.
Jury hopelessly deadlocked after 9-10 hrs of deliberations so judge officially declaring mistrial #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Unfortunately, despite a jury selected from outside the area, the trial appears to have broken down along almost identical social and racial lines evident in the initial case and investigation. Family of Quinton Tellis, identified as carrying severe hatred toward Chambers, cheering outside the courtroom. And the family of Jessica Chambers despondent with the outcome.
EARLIER:
Jury finds Quinton Tellis not guilty OMG #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Judge throwing out not guilty verdict & making jury deliberate again #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
3:15pm EST – Apparently the jury came into the courtroom and announced a verdict of “not guilty”. However, when the judge polled the jury there were multiple “guilty” decisions. The jury was not unanimous. The judge then instructed the jury that a decision “guilty” or “not guilty” must be a unanimous verdict and sent them back into deliberations.
Several jurors polled said guilty. I believe 7 said guilty. Difficult to hear. Judge addressing issue. @LocalMemphis #JessicaChambers
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Judge throwing out not guilty verdict & making jury deliberate again #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
When jury polled…half or more said guilty. Grounds for mistrial. This is crazy. Stand by… attorneys talking to judge #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Recess. Judge says to sit tight for additional jury instructions. Jury not following instructions at all. #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Both families are sitting quiet & still in courtroom. Everybody is in shock this is happening geezzz @LocalMemphis #JessicaChambers
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Jury apparently misunderstood instructions. Have been sent back to deliberate more.
— Therese Apel (@TRex21) October 16, 2017
First returns not guilty verdict, but when polled, either 7-5 or 8-4 in favor of guilty.
— Therese Apel (@TRex21) October 16, 2017
Judge tells them if it’s possible to reconcile the difference of opinions that it needs to be done.
— Therese Apel (@TRex21) October 16, 2017
EARLIER:
Verdict! @LocalMemphis #JessicaChambers
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Awaiting announcement…
WHAT THE?....
Juror just interrupted judge saying verdict is NOT unanimous. All 12 did not agree. Jury back to jury room @LocalMemphis #JessicaChambers
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Never seen that happen before OMG. There was a verdict but then juror said all 12 did not agree. #NoVerdict #JessicaChambers @LocalMemphis
— Tish Clark (@tishclarktv1234) October 16, 2017
Tellis is accused of capital murder in the burning death of 19-year-old Jessica Lane Chambers. Prosecutors believe that Tellis had sex with Chambers before he set her and her car on fire and left her to die the night of Dec. 6, 2014, in Courtland Mississippi. Chambers died hours later in a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
EXCLUSIVE: In Racially Charged Case, Our Producer Booted After Catching Judge Gift Cotton Stalk to White Reporter https://t.co/aRLoRQxn33 pic.twitter.com/Xj9YsUWbRs
— Law & Crime (@lawcrimenews) October 16, 2017
UPDATED With response from Major Barry Thompson – https://t.co/UC5QrDWT5f via @law_newz
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) October 16, 2017