Jury in Klaas Case Completes Fourth Day Without a Verdict

Jurors deliberating the fate of the man accused of killing Polly Klaas appeared to be struggling Monday with at least some of the charges that could mean the death penalty.

The six-man, six-woman panel retired at 4:45 p.m.--15 minutes later than the normal quitting time--without reaching a verdict. They were scheduled to resume deliberations this morning.

Both sides interpreted the development as positive.

“We need to look at the fact that there was a great deal of evidence here and some complicated legal concepts that have to be applied to that evidence. This jury is taking their responsibility extremely seriously,” said defense attorney Lorena Chandler.

Prosecutor Greg Jacobs said he was encouraged that jurors asked to extend their hours slightly.

“That means they’re trying to get someplace, in my opinion,” he said.

Jurors began their fourth day of deliberations after being told by the judge that they would find the answer to their questions in the jury instructions already given.

“If it gets to the point where you no longer understand, then we’ll have to break it down and I’ll have to assist you,” Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Hastings said.

From the questions they are asking, it appears the jury has agreed on a verdict of first-degree murder but is hung up on one or more of the four “special circumstances” allegations against defendant Richard Allen Davis.

Davis, 42, is charged with killing 12-year-old Polly after kidnapping her from her bedroom at knifepoint as she played with two other girls during a slumber party on Oct. 1, 1993.