AK: Alaskablawg mistrial

Waterman murder trial ends without a verdict - MISTRIAL: Prosecution weighs whether to retry teen accused in death of mother

Waterman wept at the defense table after the judge left the courtroom. Her defense attorney, Steven Wells, consoled her. Later, as she was led from the courtroom in handcuffs, Wells told her distraught father, Carl "Doc" Waterman, "She's not guilty. You know she's not guilty."

Attorneys from both sides said they were disappointed jurors did not find in their favor. But outside the courtroom, Wells said he considered a hung jury a win for the defense.

Wells said public opinion was swayed against his client by police statements made in the weeks following her arrest, but the trial was a chance to show Waterman's perspective.

"And the jury did not walk away with a conviction," he said. "That is a huge win for us."

Wells has asked that all charges against Waterman be dropped. The judge has requested written briefs on his motion and will take up the issue at a hearing March 7.

10 to 2 for acquittal? A great lawyer blogs among us.