Mistrial declared in Peach County murder trial due to juror misconduct
The mistrial was declared Tuesday in the case of State v. Tyler Keondre Jones in Peach County Superior Court.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A mistrial has been declared in a Peach County murder case after a seated juror was found to have discussed personal concerns about serving on the case with fellow jurors, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
The mistrial was declared Tuesday in the case of State v. Tyler Keondre Jones in Peach County Superior Court.
According to the district attorney’s office, jury selection began Monday morning, and a jury was seated by 7 p.m.
On Tuesday morning, before opening statements began, court officials learned that a seated juror had spoken with other jurors about her personal fear of serving on the case.
The district attorney’s office said the court determined there was no viable path to maintaining a full and impartial jury and declared a mistrial.
The juror was initially found in contempt of court and sentenced to serve 10 days in jail on weekends. However, the court later vacated the oral contempt ruling and sentence. A hearing is scheduled for noon Friday, June 26, at the Peach County Courthouse.
District Attorney Anita Howard released the following statement:
“We are disappointed that the victim’s family must endure further delay in seeing justice served. However, the integrity of the jury process is foundational to our justice system, and we will not proceed with anything less than a fair and impartial jury. We remain fully committed to prosecuting this case and will return to court at the next jury trial term in August ready to proceed.”
Jones is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with a May 2022 homicide in Fort Valley. The district attorney’s office said no additional information can be released while the case remains pending.
