Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Hung Jury In Child Abuse Trial

12 Jurors Can't Reach Decision; New Trial Expected Later This Year

After seven days, more than 100 exhibits, 10 prosecution witnesses and four defense witnesses, the Kimball County jury of two women and 10 men could not agree on the fate of Alexander Romero.

Romero was accused of intentional child abuse resulting in death of his daughter, 7-month-old Aaliyah. The jury began deliberating on Monday at 6:03 p.m., continued to deliberate until 10:30 that evening, and returned Tuesday morning to continue.

After a lunch break, the jurors returned to the jury room and finally, around 2:30, they contacted the judge. At 2:45, they returned to the courtroom. Judge...