PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A second juror was dismissed Friday from the trial of two men accused of killing a Philadelphia police sergeant, forcing deliberations to restart.
Around 3:45 p.m. Friday, the judge cleared the courtroom for about 15 minutes before announcing the latest dismissal. No reason was given.
On Thursday, the judge urged jurors to treat each other kindly.
It comes days after an alternate juror was called in on Wednesday when another juror experienced a medical issue.
Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, 20, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, 23, are charged with murdering Sgt. Richard Mendez in the parking garage of Philadelphia International Airport in October 2023.
A third man, 23-year-old Alexander Batista-Polanco, pleaded guilty days before the trial began last week and testified as the prosecution’s star witness.
On Thursday, the jury asked five questions, including requests for Batista-Polanco’s written statement and interview transcripts, which were denied.
Police said the group fatally shot 50-year-old Mendez when he and his partner tried to stop a car break-in at the airport. Mendez’s partner was injured.
Authorities also said a fourth man, Jesus Herman Madera Duran, was part of the group and died after being struck by gunfire.
Defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to prove the group was at the scene and noted the absence of surveillance cameras. Prosecutors presented cell phone and DNA evidence they said placed the defendants at the location.
The judge dismissed the jury for the weekend around 5:45 Friday night. They will begin again on Monday morning.
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