HONOLULU – Defense attorneys for a former Hawaii-based soldier facing the death penalty for killing his 5-year-old daughter say jurors are taking too long to deliberate his sentence.
Naeem Williams' attorneys filed a motion Monday arguing for a mistrial because the jury hasn't reached a decision after six full days. They say that's a long time for a relatively simple capital case. It was tried in federal court, making Williams eligible for execution even though Hawaii abolished it in 1957.
Defense lawyers say a juror violated court orders by posting information online. The motion doesn't detail the claim but asks that jurors be questioned about it.
Prosecutors must respond by Tuesday afternoon. A hearing is set for Wednesday.
Jurors convicted Williams of murder for the 2005 beating death. They must decide whether he's sentenced to death or life in prison.
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