Friday, May 21, 2010

MAY 21 Jury in Hayden trial dismissed until Monday

Jury in Hayden trial dismissed until Monday

May 21, 2010 1:04 PM
LINDELL KAY
Updated at 5:03 p.m.

North Carolina Superior Court Judge Ken Crowe has dismissed the jury until Monday at 10 a.m. when they will continue their deliberation.

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Lawyers have given an Onslow County jury their closing arguments in the trial of a former area police chief accused in a 40-year-old homicide.

George Hayden is accused of first-degree murder in the 1972 shooting death of Marine Sgt. William Miller.

During closing arguments, prosecutors called Hayden a "festering tick" that was living with Miller's wife while he was in Japan and Miller had to physically remove when he returned.

A month later, prosecutors allege Hayden shot Miller in the back on Western Boulevard.

Hayden's attorney, Jacksonville lawyer Billy Joe Morgan told the jury that while prosecutors pulled at their heart strings, they never overcame the problems in their case.

Morgan also said publicity surrounding the case was the only reason why Hayden was arrested 37 years after Miller's death.

North Carolina Superior Court Judge Ken Crow will give the jury instructions and they will begin deliberating this afternoon.

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