TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A shocking twist in one of the highest-profile trials of the year. The judge presiding over the Lindsay Clancy trial declared it a mistrial Friday afternoon after seven days of deliberations.<\/p>\n
A mistrial was declared after one juror appeared to be a holdout on a decision. \u00a0Tampa defense attorney Bryant Camareno said he was surprised to hear the judge and lawyers openly discussing that lone juror in the courtroom.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been practicing law for 31 years, and the judges have always made it clear to jurors: if you have any questions or any concerns, write us a note. But and if it’s if there’s a holdout, do not tell us the number,” Camareno explained.<\/p>\n
Clancy’s defense team asked the judge to remove that holdout from the jury, arguing that the juror was not following the law. Ultimately, the judge declared a mistrial. Her defense appealed that decision, which was shot down. Camereno believes they appealed it for a reason.<\/p>\n
“He’s going to try to argue that this is a double jeopardy,” Camareno said. “It’s not the true definition of double jeopardy, but I’m sure he’s going to take the position that I didn’t ask for the mistrial.”<\/p>\n
The process to begin a second trial is scheduled to start at the end of the month. Camereno thinks the actual trial likely won’t start until the end of the year or, more likely, next year.<\/p>\n
Whether it will be in the same courtroom or moved to a different district remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
Camereno expects both sides to make the same cases, believing Clancy’s defense of postpartum depression is the best chance of acquittal.<\/p>\n
“You may end up in a different jurisdiction who still knows about the case,” Camereno explained. “But not just that; though you may move into the jurisdiction that could be more conservative, you know. Believe it or not, political ideology – those factor in.”<\/p>\n