Tuffree Jurors Continue Talks

Nearly a week after the jury began deliberations in the murder trial of Daniel Allan Tuffree, the 12-member panel is still discussing the case.

The jury began its fifth day of deliberations Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Ventura County courthouse. The jurors took an hour lunch break and went home about 3:30 p.m. They are expected to return for further deliberations today.

Tuffree, 49, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Simi Valley Police Officer Michael Clark.

During a six-week trial that ended last Wednesday, defense attorneys argued that Tuffree fired in self-defense after police barged into his backyard and shot at him when they saw he had a gun.

Prosecutors, however, say Tuffree hated police and intentionally shot Clark when the officer approached Tuffree’s kitchen window. Police were sent to Tuffree’s house on Aug. 4, 1995, to check his welfare after reports that he was mixing Valium and alcohol and was possibly suicidal.