The State - News from July 22, 1988

After 12 hours of deliberation, jurors reported they were unable to reach a verdict in a case involving 30 demonstrators charged with blocking a road outside the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Mt. Diablo Municipal Judge Douglas Cunningham declared a mistrial. Nine jurors voted guilty and three voted to acquit, attorneys for both sides reported. The protesters faced up to a year in jail. The demonstrators, who had been protesting the U.S. role in Central America, will remain in “legal limbo” until the district attorney’s office decides whether to try them again on the misdemeanor count, said defense attorney Sylvia Keita. “I see the verdict as somewhat of a victory,” she said. “There would be a stronger vindication, of course, with a not guilty (verdict), but we’re happy with a hung jury.”