Juror excuses reviewed in murder-case retrial

9/20/2011

In preparation for Robert Bowman’s Oct. 11 trial date in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, attorneys reviewed multiple jury excuses Monday.

Bowman, 75, is to go to trial on a charge of first-degree murder for the 1967 slaying of a Sylvania Township teenager. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Judge Gene Zmuda ordered that 250 jury summonses be sent out. Monday, about 50 jurors responded with explanations as to why they could not serve and were excused.

Bowman’s first trial ended Aug. 23 in a mistrial after a jury of nine women and three men couldn’t reach a consensus.

The jury deliberated nearly 12 hours over two days before being released. A juror who declined to give her name said the jury was stuck at a 10-2 vote in favor of conviction.