NEW YORK – A New York City jury ended three days of deliberations without reaching a verdict on the fate of a former minor league baseball player accused of beating an ex-girlfriend's cat to death in a jealous rage.
The jury is trying to decide whether 37-year-old Joseph Petcka is guilty of aggravated animal cruelty and harassment. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison.
Petcka claimed he unintentionally killed Norman, an 8-pound declawed cat, in self-defense.
The Manhattan jury sent the state Supreme Court judge a second note Wednesday, saying it is deadlocked, but the judge directed them to keep working.
Jurors have requested readbacks including testimony from Petcka's former girlfriend and the investigator who questioned Petcka. The judge says readbacks will begin Thursday.
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