The jury in the trial of Officer William Porter continued their deliberations Wednesday afternoon, asking the judge for a transcript of witness testimony.
Judge Barry Williams denied their request, telling them the transcripts are not evidence.
The judge also admonished journalists after someone reportedly snapped a picture of the media room and posted it on social media. If that happens again, Williams said, all devices will be banned.
The jury told the judge they were deadlocked Tuesday afternoon. They began deliberating Wednesday morning, one hour early, at 8:30 a.m.
The jury sent a note to Judge Barry Williams around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Williams called the jury back into the courtroom, instructed them again that their verdict would need to be unanimous and sent them back to continue deliberations.
RELATED: Jury continues deliberations in William Porter trial
The jury in the #PorterTrial sent note 2 judge they are deadlocked. Judge instructed them again and sent them back to continue. #FreddieGray
— Brian Kuebler (@BrianfromABC2) December 15, 2015
The jury started deliberations around 2:30 p.m. on Monday and had been in deliberations for about 10 hours as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
They are considering charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
This wasn't the first note the jury had sent to Judge Williams. Other notes asked for transcripts of radio communications and interviews, for computer speakers to better hear audio, asked questions about certain terms mean and asked for legal supplies.
UMD Law professor Doug Colbert told me it's not unusual for a jury to be deadlocked at this stage of deliberations #portertrial #freddiegray
— Christian Schaffer (@chrisfromabc2) December 15, 2015
Colbert also predicts judge would keep jury here deliberating at least until Thursday (original end date of 12/17) #portertrial #freddiegray
— Christian Schaffer (@chrisfromabc2) December 15, 2015
Experts tell ABC2 the number of notes and the jury's desire to start an hour early Tuesday are signs of a conscientious jury that takes the responsibility seriously.
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