June 5, 2008

Haq trial ends in mistrial

Posted: 09:27 AM ET

SEATTLE, Washington–Victims of the Jewish Federation shooting walked away disappointed and frustrated after a jury deciding the fate of Naveed Haq declared they were deadlocked on all but one part of one count, forcing the judge to declare a mistrial Wednesday.

The jury decided part of one count of the 15-count indictment, acquitting Haq of the first-degree attempted murder of Carol Goldman, but could not decide on the lesser charge of second-degree attempted murder, and could not reach verdicts on the remaining counts.

Their final note, which came after a total of 41 hours and 50 minutes over eight days, was essentially a repeat of Monday’s note to the court, that they had reached a unanimous decision on only one part of one count and were deadlocked on the others.

After some discussion with the lawyers, judge Paris Kallas called the jury out, polled them, and declared the mistrial at 6:19 pm ET.

Naveed Haq, dressed in a blue sweater vest and blue long sleeved shirt, showed no reaction in court. His parents and brother, who testified for the defense, were not present in court.

Victims Cheryl Stumbo and Carol Goldman sat shoulder to shoulder, inside the courtroom, and occasionally patted each other on the back during the courtroom discussion. Family, friends and members of the Jewish federation were also present.

Jurors quickly left through a back staircase to avoid cameras and reporters. Prosecutor Donald Raz and Defense Attorney Wesley Richards each gave very brief statements. Raz said he was disappointed with the outcome, but announced his intent to retry Haq. Richards said he expected to defend Haq in the retrial, and made no further comment.

Afterwards, victim Cheryl Stumbo said, “I’m angry that the jury didn’t do its job. They gave up after a few days, I spent five weeks in the hospital.”

A status hearing fro the retrial is set for June 12.

– In Session staff

Filed under: Trials

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paula tessier

June 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

what is wrong with people today to not be able to see this man is guilty and what an example to show the world that if your insane you will not be convicted.i feel so bad for the victims having this thrown in there face after all they been through.wish i was on that jury cause he would pay for his crime if i had a say. i bet any one of those jurers would have thought different if it were one of there family members think about it.

Alice

June 5th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I still can't believe this turned out to be a mistrial, Haq knew what he was doing when he walked through those doors and started pulling that trigger, he knew what he was doing when he was on his computer mapquesting the Federation. Then he sits in that court room like he is some sort of zombie. I dont believe it for a minute that he was "INSANE" I can only hope his next trial brings guilty on all accounts like this one should have been.

Elizabeth Harman

June 5th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

The prosecutor needs to plea out to insanity. I feel for the victims, but lets make some sense of this case and put the defendant away where he can get some mental help. Being in a state run hospital will not be a walk in the park......in most circumstances, worse than life in prison. If he goes to prison, lets face it, he can't defend himself against the other inmates that would just love to do away with him.

Charito Holbrook

June 13th, 2008 2:30 am ET

I can't believe what is going on with the jury system in this country.

This was a slap on the face for all of those people that were in a safe
place , not bothering any one and have someone come and fire on innocent victims.

I agree he has a mental illness , but if he choose not to take his medications , then he is guilty for what he did .
Where was his family to make sure he took his medications ?
Where was his Dr ? If he had a regular psychiatrist he should have asked the courts for a guardian for this patient that would make sure he took his medications and was going to his appointments.

Charito Holbrook VA

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