Sentencing Delayed in Hood Trial : Courts: Jurors in murder case of millionaire Newport Beach developer may have improperly discussed testimony. Defense attorney says he may request a retrial.

Adding another twist to an unusual murder case, a judge postponed sentencing Friday for millionaire Newport Beach developer James N. Hood after learning jurors may have improperly discussed the case outside of deliberations.

Wearing an orange jail uniform and looking thin from his month in custody, Hood, 50, sat silently as San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith gave attorneys until Feb. 28 to investigate the allegations.

Defense attorney Philip C. Bourdette said he may seek a new trial if jurors violated a court order to limit discussions of the case to the jury room.

In an affidavit solicited by the defense team, juror Daniel Aceves said he overheard fellow jurors talking about testimony, witnesses and the legal system.

“Discussing the case without being given instructions, or hearing all the evidence, that’s improper,” Bourdette said after Friday’s hearing.

“I don’t like the results of the last trial, and neither does Mr. Hood,” he said.

After a first jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, a second jury convicted Hood last month of first-degree murder for the March 22, 1992, shooting of Bruce E. Beauchamp, a former construction worker employed by Hood.

Authorities believe Hood had earlier hired Beauchamp to kill his wife, Bonnie Hood, who was murdered at her Sierra Nevada lodge in Tulare County in August, 1990, so that Hood could collect on a $500,000 insurance policy. Then, prosecutors believe, Hood decided to silence the gunman.

Beauchamp was acquitted of any involvement in Bonnie Hood’s murder, despite an eyewitness--Bonnie Hood’s lover, who was in bed with her at the time of the shooting and was wounded. Hood has always denied any involvement in his wife’s slaying.

Hood claimed he was acting in self defense when he shot and killed Beauchamp in March, 1992, in Fontana. He faces 30 years to life in prison.