The jurors have been comparatively quiet with only once asking a question since they began discussions Feb. 23. They have met nine days, with two days off because of last week's snowstorm. After listening to 13 weeks of testimony, the jury is deciding whether Gilbert is guilty or innocent of poisoning four patients and trying to poison three others in 1995 and 1996 at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Defense lawyers contend the veterans died of natural causes.
If the jury convicts Gilbert of murder in the first degree, she could face the death penalty. Some veteran trial lawyers said last week that the lengthy deliberations are expected, considering the long trial and the complex issues that have to be decided. David Angier, first assistant district attorney for the Northwestern District Attorney's office, said Friday that a Massachusetts jury in recent memory has not been given a case as complicated as the alleged serial killing in the Gilbert case. In the course of seven days, a jury acquitted Suzanne D'Amour of murder but convicted her of perjury Feb. 27, 1997. During those deliberations, the jury asked several questions.