An internet radio talk show host accused of threatening to kill three federal judges had his trial end in mistrial when the jury voted 9 to 3 for acquittal. Prosecutors said they would retry try the man. -DB
December 8, 2009
After the Brooklyn jury deadlocked, a federal judge declared a mistrial in the case of an Internet radio host accused of threatening to murder three federal appeals court judges.
Turner’s outrage on his Turner Radio Network led FBI agents to discover incriminating blog posts on his Web page.
The criminal complaint says Turner “threatened to assault and murder three United States judges with intent to retaliate against such judges on account of the performance of official duties.”
His blog cited the murders of another judge’s family in Chicago, and said that “the 7th U.S. Circuit Court didn’t get the hint after those killings … it appears another lesson is needed,” according to an FBI affidavit.
The jury was split 9 to 3 for acquittal, one juror told The New York Times.
U.S. District Judge Donald Walter of Louisiana declared a mistrial Monday, and prosecutors said they would retry Turner. Walter slated the second trial to begin on March 1.
Turner faces up to 10 years of prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Walter had moved the case to Brooklyn so that Turner wouldn’t be tried in the courthouse where the 7th Circuit judges work.
Copyright 2009 Courthouse News Service