TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A prosecutor is not contesting a motion for a new trial for a Topeka homicide suspect after the first trial was tainted by juror misconduct.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports a Shawnee County judge said Monday she will issue a written order for a new trial for Anceo Stovall.
Stovall is one of nine people charged in the July 2011 death of Natalie Gibson and the wounding of her life partner.
His first trial in July ended with Stovall convicted of one count and acquitted on another. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on nine other charges.
The judge ruled earlier this month that a juror committed misconduct by posting remarks on the Capital-Journal’s website while the jury was deliberating.
The retrial is scheduled to start Jan. 31.