What happens if a mistrial is declared in Lindsay Clancy case?

Under US law, the jury must unanimously reach a conclusion “beyond a reasonable doubt”. If they cannot, the judge can call a mistrial, which ends the trial with no verdict.

Jurors in Clancy’s trial have been deadlocked for days, and have told the judge three times that they are unable to come to a unanimous decision.

Sullivan, who is overseeing the trial, previously urged them to continue deliberating until there is no possible chance of a decision.

In a last-ditch effort he issued additional instructions, known as a Tuey-Rodriguez charge in the state, encouraging the panel to consider all perspectives and ensuring jurors were questioning and examining their own views in the case.

The jury continued to indicate they could not come to a consensus, leading the judge to say he had no choice but to declare a mistrial.

This does not mean prosecutors have proven their case, nor does it mean the defendant is not guilty.

If a mistrial is formally declared on Friday, the prosecution could either refile and restart with a new jury or negotiate a plea agreement.

Alternatively, prosecutors could dismiss the charges altogether.