Juror replaced in Jerice Hunter murder trial

PHOENIX — A juror was replaced Monday in the Jerice Hunter murder trial, effectively meaning deliberations must begin anew.

A Juror has been replaced and an alternate juror was brought in to begin new deliberations. #JericeHunter

— MC Superior Court (@courtpio) April 27, 2015

After the replacement, jurors were told to hand their notes over to the judge. Deliberations will have to start again from square one.

Multiple tweets said Juror 2, who is pregnant, was excused for medical reasons. Juror 4 will take her place.

Last week, Hunter’s fate was placed into the jury’s hands. She is accused of murdering her 5-year-old daughter, Jhessye Shockley, and disposing of the body in a Tempe, Arizona dumpster.

Hunter faces life in prison if convicted.