Bill Cosby's sexual assault case has ended in a mistrial, according to CNN on Saturday, June 17, 2017. The jury was deadlocked and unable to make a unanimous verdict. The well-known actor had been charged with three counts of sexual assault. On Saturday morning, the judge was sent a note stating that the jury was deadlocked on all three counts.
Andrea Constand was the only one who testified against Bill Cosby even though dozens of women had accused him of sexually assaulting them. Many of them attended the trial even though they knew they wouldn't be called to testify.
During the trial, more than 100 journalists and photographers around the country waited outside for news alongside interested people who couldn't get into the courtroom.
The jury
The jury was diversified with seven men and five women. Included in the group were two African Americans. Members of the jury deliberated the case for 52 hours over a six-day period. The deliberation was longer than the trial itself. The judge sent the jury back more than once to deliberate after he was told they were deadlocked. Even so, on Saturday morning, all twelve jurors agreed on one thing. The jury concluded that the deadlock could not be resolved by discussing it any further. Cosby's attorney, Brian McMonagle moved for a mistrial after the jury could not come to a unified decision regarding alleged victim Andrea Constand.
Judge Steven O’Neill granted the mistrial.
Reactions to the mistrial
Before the announcement was made, Judge O’Neill thanked jurors for doing their job over such a long period of time. He added that he is grateful for what the jury had done for the justice system.
Minutes after the announcement about the mistrial, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced that prosecutors plan to retry the case.
The 79-year-old comedian walked out of the courtroom a free man for now. That gives him some relief because he could have been facing a 30-year prison sentence.
He made no statement after exiting the courtroom. He only raised an arm as a sign of victory. However, on Friday he did wish all the fathers a Happy Father's Day. He thanked the jury members for their long days and honest work.
Finally, he thanked his supporters.
Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents many of Cosby's accusers, believes the case would not have ended in a mistrial if Constand had not been the only accused woman to testify. She said she hopes the court will allow the other women to testify at the next trial because it might make a big difference. She concluded that it's too early for Bill Cosby to celebrate.