Opinion ID: 1325306
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Alternate Juror Murphy.

Text: During voir dire, the trial court asked a group of veniremen that included George Murphy this question: Are you or any members of your immediate family employed by any law enforcement agency? Murphy made no response to the question. Subsequently, Murphy became one of the two alternate jurors. Prior to the second day of trial, Gray's counsel learned that Murphy's son was currently a member of the Virginia State Police. Gray moved to declare a mistrial, and the trial court denied the motion. Gray assigns error to this ruling. We reject this contention. Murphy was released from the panel before the case was submitted to the jury. Murphy was merely an alternate and, therefore, did not participate in the jury's deliberations or decision. Because it is clear that Gray has suffered no harm, this issue is without merit.