Juror Excused as Trial of Physician Nears Close
A commissioner presiding at the murder trial of Glendale physician Richard Boggs excused a juror just as final arguments began Tuesday, after the woman’s employer--McDonnell Douglas--refused to continue to pay her salary.
Defense lawyers opposed the action by Superior Court Commissioner Florence- Marie Cooper and asked for a mistrial, which was denied. They argued that government-supported corporations should be required to support the judicial system, adding that they chose the juror, Bertha Island, because of her relative opposition to the death penalty.
“Suddenly, because of the policies of a corporation, this action is placing the defendant at an incredible disadvantage that may cost him his life,” said co-counsel Charles Lindner.
A spokeswoman for McDonnell Douglas said the firm feels it is showing enough support by paying its employees for jury service up to 20 days.
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