Mistrial declared in Burrell Ellis corruption case

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Susan Worthy said she agrees with the judge’s decision to declare a mistrial, saying there was no way they were going to reach a unanimous verdict on the counts.

What went on inside the jury room?

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2's Mark Winne spoke exclusively with one of the jurors who sat on the corruption trial.

“There were some counts we were definitely hung on, there were some counts we were leaning towards innocence and there were some counts we were leaning toward guilt,” said Worthy.

Worthy said the group left the deliberation room with respect for fellow jurors.

“There were days, time when it was jovial and we were all getting along. There was times when we did not agree and people were very passionate about his guilt or his innocence and it showed in their response and how we were deliberating,” said Worthy.

She said the group came very close to a conviction on one charge. Worthy says the jury was one vote away from a unanimous decision on count 9, theft by extortion. The vote was 11 to 1 in favor of guilt.

Worthy said just because they couldn’t come to a decision doesn’t mean the case shouldn’t be tried again.

“I think the citizens of DeKalb County are due justice and we should try the case again." said Worthy.