San Diego
The Superior Court jury considering murder charges against a parolee accused of strangling a teen-age girl suspended deliberations Friday for 10 days because of a juror’s previous obligation to attend a church conference. The juror had non-refundable airline tickets to New Orleans. Her absence was approved by Judge Norbert Ehrenfreund.
Willie Ray Roberts, 36, is charged with raping and strangling Melissa Orchulli, 17, who lived most of her life in El Cajon.
The jury has asked to rehear extensive amounts of testimony in the trial, which began in April. Deliberations will resume Aug. 26.
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