Juror Excused in Mexican Mafia Trial

An unidentified woman juror was excused Tuesday from the murder, extortion and conspiracy trial of 13 suspected members and associates of the Mexican Mafia prison gang after she sent a note saying that remaining on the panel would create a financial hardship for her.

The juror was the second to be dismissed from the trial in Los Angeles federal court. An unidentified male juror was let go in December after he presented letters from his employer and doctor seeking to be dismissed. With Tuesday’s action, 18 jurors and alternates remain. The trial, which began in mid-November, is expected to last another three months.