Hung Jury In Eric Buzbee Capital Murder Trial

Murder Spanish Fort BREAKING NEWS The judge has declared a mistrial because the jury could not reach a unanimous decision. Buzbee is accused of killing popular Spanish Fort business owner Bobby Wilson in 2007.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Thu, May 28, 2009 - 9:09 am CST Last Updated: Fri, May 29, 2009 - 2:16 pm CST

BREAKING NEWS

Friday 3:15 p.m.
- The judge has declared a mistrial in the Eric Buzbee murder trial because the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
- The case will be retried in August.

Friday 9:39 a.m.
- We'll bring you the verdict as soon as its read.

Friday 9:23 a.m.
- Jury deliberations resumed at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday 3:06 p.m.
- The jury did not reach a verdict before the judge excused them at 3:00 p.m.
- Deliberations will resume at 9:00 a.m. Friday.

Thursday 10: 09 a.m.
A Baldwin County jury is now deliberating the fate of Eric Buzbee.

Buzbee is charged with the robbery and beating death of popular Spanish Fort business owner Bobby Wilson. The 71-year-old was beaten and robbed at his Texaco service station August 11, 2007. He died three days after Christmas.

During closing arguments Wednesday, Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Pylant said Buzbee was fueled by crack cocaine, anger and need for money. He said Buzbee struck Wilson repeatedly and took cash from the service station.

Defense attorney John Beck says the prosecution's case is "not even close" to proving Buzbee committed the crime.

Baldwin County Circuit Judge James Reid charged the jury this morning. He gave the jury three verdict options - guilty of capital murder, guilty of felony murder, and not guilty.

Before Judge Reid charged the jury, Beck filed a motion to dismiss all charges. The judge denied it.

If Buzbee is found guilty of capital murder, he would face life in prison or the death penalty.

News 5's Pat Peterson, who has covered this case since day 1, is at the Baldwin County Courthouse. We'll let you know as soon as there is a verdict.

News 5 first reported this story as BREAKING NEWS on wkrg.com
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