Ill McMartin Juror May Be Replaced

A juror whose hospitalization has delayed the McMartin Pre-School molestation trial is expected to be replaced next Monday by the last remaining alternate.

Although his exact diagnosis was not disclosed, the ill juror’s physician told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Pounders that the man has a rare blood disorder that may require repeated hospitalization and that his continuing to serve on the jury could prove life-threatening.

The jury has lost five other members during the 29-month trial: one for inattentiveness, one for career problems and three for health reasons. The dwindling numbers have raised the specter of a mistrial, but the judge has said he will speed up closing arguments if necessary to get the case to a full jury of 12 earlier than the Dec. 1 deadline he has set.

Both sides have rested their cases in the trial of Ray Buckey and his mother, Peggy McMartin Buckey, who are charged with 65 counts of molestation and conspiracy involving 11 children. Only rebuttal and argument phases remain.