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Mistrial Declared in Infant Murder Case
A Santa Ana Superior Court jury convicted Antonia Thomas of murdering her infant son. One juror disputed the verdict claiming it was not his opinion, leading Judge Bruce Sumner to declare a mistrial. District Attorney Cecil Hicks challenged the action, with June 1 hearings set on procedure. If mistrial stands, a new trial date will be set. Thomas, 24, born in the Philippines, sobbed as she faced charges over her 22 day old son James who died July 30 after ingesting a caustic substance. Sgt Thomas was overseas. he was brought home on emergency leave. Juror Joseph Schissler initially said he disagreed but later said he voted with the majority. the judge pressed for unanimity on the verdict which Schissler claimed to have given without personal opinion. The case had begun 22 days earlier after 15 days of testimony. The jury reportedly stood 10 to 2 for conviction before the delay and confusion. The prosecution had sought murder without specifying degree.