Kermit Gosnell Jury Hung on Two Counts; Judge Sends Jury Back

Kermit Gosnell Jury Hung on Two Counts; Judge Sends Jury Back

The jury in the trial of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell is hung on two counts, though reports do not indicate as yet which ones. The judge has sent the jury back to continue deliberating.

According to reporter Sean O’Sullivan, the report means the jury has reached agreement on 261 other charges. Failure to resolve the two remaining charges could result in a partial verdict or a mistrial.

According to LifeNews, Gosnell is charged with four counts of first-degree murder for killing babies who were born alive during abortion procedures by “snipping” their necks and spinal cords. He also faces a third-degree murder charge related to the death of a patient, Kamamaya Mongar, 41, of Virginia, from a botched legal abortion. Gosnell has been in jail since his arrest in January 2011.

Gosnell faces 258 counts total and additional charges include one count of infanticide and one of racketeering, 24 counts of performing third-trimester abortions, and 227 counts of failing to follow the 24-hour waiting period law prior to performing an abortion on women in order for consideration of the risks and alternatives to abortion.

The jury is also considering charges against Gosnell’s co-defendant.

Eight other defendants who are former staffers of Gosnell’s abortion clinic have pleaded guilty to a variety of charges and are awaiting sentencing.

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