Spc. James Roland Ambler III, along with Deanna Bogdan, his attorney from the public defender's office, are photographed Aug. 28 outside the Public Defender's office in Sacramento. Michael Rondou photo
From Andy Furillo:
A judge declared a mistrial today in the vehicular manslaughter case of an Army National Guard soldier who was accused of vehicular manslaughter. The soldier earlier was denied the right to wear his uniform during the trial.
Sacramento Superior Court Judge Elena J. Duarte took her action after a five-woman, seven-man jury remained deadlocked after two days of deliberation.
The case gained attention last week when it was disclosed that the judge refused to allow the defendant in the case, Spc. James Roland Ambler III, to wear his uniform during the trial.
The jury vote was 9-3 for conviction, court sources said.
Deputy District Attorney Elise Sumnicht declined to discuss the case and whether prosecutors would refile charges against Ambler.
Ambler was on trial for the Oct. 2, 2005, death of Arcenio Kenneth Spann, 17. Ambler was driving without a license when he got into a traffic accident that killed Spann, who also had hoped to launch a military career.
Traffic investigators said Ambler was driving 55 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone and had made an unsafe turn to avoid a collision at the time of the accident.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.