Santa Ana : Kraft Jury Still Out; 10th Day Coming Up

Jurors in the Randy Steven Kraft trial begin their 10th day of deliberations today. But they might not reach a verdict until next week, some observers say, pointing to how little help jurors have sought from the judge or the lawyers.

Kraft, 44, is on trial in Santa Ana, charged with the murders of 16 young men in Orange County. If he is convicted, his trial could move into a penalty phase where he could be linked to up to 29 other murders, including six in Oregon and two in Michigan.

Superior Court Judge Donald A. McCartin has ordered the jurors sequestered at a hotel during their deliberations, but has permitted them to have family visitors on weekends.

Tuesday, the 10 women and two men on the jury asked to have a minor amount of testimony reread. But like most days, they deliberated the rest of the day quietly, without asking for any clarifications of jury instructions or for any more testimony.

The seven remaining alternates have been ordered by the judge not to discuss the case. They would return to the courtroom if Kraft is convicted and the trial moves into a penalty phase.

The jurors began deliberating April 28.