Update: Court Grants Motion for New Trial in Penalty Phase Due to Juror Misconduct

 In the Peter Avsenew double murder trial the defense alleged juror misconduct and in November moved for a new trial in the penalty phase. (this updates 11-25-22 posting). The jury had found him guilty in a second trial (first conviction tossed on appeal) and sentenced Avsenew to death.  The jury foreperson admitted to watching a documentary about the case during the period that the jury was deliberating the penalty.  Another juror admitted to doing outside research.  The penalty phase will start anew late 2023.