(NBC News) The bribery trial of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez ended in a mistrial Thursday afternoon when jurors were again deadlocked in a case that threatened to end the Democratic lawmaker’s political career.
Jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict — the second time in four days — even though they reviewed evidence slowly and thoroughly, defense attorney Abbe Lowell told U.S. District Judge William Walls. Lowell said jurors had a strong difference in viewpoints since deliberations began seven days ago.
Walls said he had “no alternative but to declare a mistrial.” A juror later told reporters that the deadlock was 10 to two leaning toward acquittal on all counts.
