On Tuesday, Judge H. Morgan Dougherty granted a mistrial motion made by Christenson s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Greg Olson, because of jury misconduct. The misconduct involved comments a juror made about the case, but attorneys would provide no details. Testimony in the first trial began Monday. Deputy District Attorney Dianna Carter said she was about halfway through the prosecution s case when the mistrial was declared. Attorneys hope to complete jury selection in the new trial this week.
Prosecutors contend robbery was the motive for the killing.
Christine Mahr covers courts and higher education for The Desert Sun.