Jury breaks without reaching verdict

Chuck Solomon Rise and Fall of Kirby Puckett Baseball fans across the country were shocked last year when Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, one of the game’s most beloved figures, was charged with sexually assaulting a woman at a suburban Minneapolis restaurant. But that incident was merely the latest in a pattern of alleged sexual indiscretions and violent acts by Puckett, according to SI.com's Frank Deford. • Click here for more. • Deford: Puckett fooled 'em all • Rushin: Betrayal of trust

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A jury began deliberations Wednesday in the trial of Kirby Puckett, accused of dragging a woman into a restaurant bathroom and assaulting her.

Jurors deliberated for about 5 1/2 hours without reaching a verdict. Hennepin County District Judge Stephen Swanson sequestered them at a hotel for the night, and they were scheduled to reconvene Thursday morning.

Puckett's attorney told the jury Wednesday that the state failed prove the charges against the Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Twins slugger.

"What happened was real simple -- she wanted to go into the restroom. He took her into the restroom. It might not have been the wisest choice, but it was real simple," attorney Todd Jones said.

But prosecutor Alan Harris told jurors that the woman's story is supported by testimony from others and physical evidence, which should lead them to conclude that Puckett is guilty.

Puckett, 43, is charged with felony false imprisonment and criminal sexual conduct and assault, both misdemeanors.

 

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