Araujo jury re-hears testimony, may be close to verdict
by Eric Johnston
PlanetOut Network


Jurors in the murder trial of transgender teenager Gwen Araujo listened to transcripts of pathologists' testimony on Wednesday, which some court observers interpreted as a sign the jury is close to returning a verdict.

The jury has been deliberating since last Thursday in Hayward, Calif.

Michael Magidson, 23, and Jose Merel and Jason Cazares, both 24, are accused of killing Araujo on Oct. 4, 2002. The three face 25 years to life in prison, if convicted.

The jury's request may mean the members are on the verge of reaching a verdict, according to Christopher Daley, co-director of the Transgender Law Center, who is closely following the case.

"There's definitely some buzz that that's all they needed to render their decision," he said.