Ill Juror Prompts Delay in McMartin Pre-School Trial

The long McMartin Pre-School molestation trial hit another snag Tuesday when a juror’s eye problem postponed the prosecution’s final day of closing arguments until today.

Barring further delays and after lengthy instructions from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Pounders, the case is expected to go to the jury on Thursday, after 2 1/2 years.

Ray Buckey, 31, and his mother, Peggy McMartin Buckey, 62, are charged with 65 counts of molestation and conspiracy involving 11 youngsters who attended their family-run nursery school in Manhattan Beach. Both are free on bail.

Each side was allotted 6 1/2 days for final arguments, in an effort to speed up the proceedings and avoid a mistrial. The case has lasted six years and cost county taxpayers more than $15 million. The jury, which once had six alternates, is down to its final 12 members, due to health and job problems.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Lael Rubin, who has said she will finish her remarks today, a half day before her deadline, has the last word because the burden of proof is on the prosecution.