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Jury Having Difficulty Reaching Verdict In West Austin Hit And Run Trial


The jury for the Gabrielle Nestande fatal hit and run trial told the judge Wednesday afternoon they're having trouble reaching a verdict.

Nestande is accused of hitting Courtney Griffin with her car in West Austin back in May 2010 and then leaving the scene. Griffin was found dead in the driveway of a home.

Nestande is charged with intoxication manslaughter, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and failure to stop and render aid.

The jury spent three hours deliberating on Tuesday, following closing arguments from both sides.

On Wednesday, the judge received a note from the jury at around 3:40 p.m. that said they were having difficulty reaching a decision on a count. 

Judge called everyone into the courtroom and gave the jury further instructions.  She urged them to try to reach a verdict if at all possible. She told them if they can't, there is no reason to think the case wouldn't be tried again with another jury facing the same tough questions. 

She stressed it was their duty to reach a verdict if possible. She then sent them back to deliberate further.

We will update this story as we learn more.