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April 3, 2008

Jury to return in smoke-shop deliberations

The jury in the smoke-shop trial returns to Superior Court today -- hopefully with clearer heads and a solid understanding of self-defense.

In its first full day of deliberations, the jury did not reach a verdict in the case of seven Narragansett Indians who face several misdemeanor charges for their part in a 2003 scuffle that broke out during a state police raid on a tribal, tax-free smoke shop.

The seven defendants -- including the Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- face 17 charges between them of assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing police.

Yesterday afternoon the jury sent Judge Susan E. McGuirl a letter asking for a clarification about self-defense. Soon after working through that definition, McGuirl sent the jury home.

"Go home. Clear your heads," she said, and told the jurors that they would receive more instruction today.

Extra: See photos and video of the raid, and read documents filed with the courts.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 9:31 AM | Permalink

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