Juror replaced in Brancato trial

Juror replaced in Brancato trial
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A mistrial was avoided in the trial of Lillo Brancato, the actor accused in the shooting death of an off-duty policeman, after it was discovered a juror had been taking notes on testimony and doing research on the case at home.

The 32-year-old Brancato — who got his big break playing opposite Robert De Niro in the 1993 film "A Bronx Tale" and also is known for playing a wannabe mobster on "The Sopranos" — is charged with second-degree murder.

He agreed to a substitution with an alternate juror Thursday after the original juror was dismissed. His consent was required because the jury had already started deliberating. If he said no, a mistrial would have been declared.

The jury, which began deliberating Wednesday, must start over.

Published 12/18/08 by


AP TV News

Comments (1)