Malheur refuge standoff jurors having difficulty reaching consensus

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge in the trial of those who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge sent jurors home for the day Tuesday after finding no indication that a member of the panel was biased.

U.S. District Judge Anna Brown questioned a juror in her chambers Tuesday after receiving a note saying he had mentioned during deliberations that he was “very biased.” The note from a fellow juror asked whether that panel member could still be considered impartial.

Despite finding no sign of bias, Brown is giving defense attorneys until Wednesday to find case law that would support further investigation.

Another note asked whether the jurors must reach verdicts for all seven defendants or if they can reach them for just three. Brown said they must consider each charge for each defendant separately.

The notes indicate the jury is having difficulty reaching a consensus. They have deliberated for three days.

Bundy in early 2016 led what turned out to be a 41-day occupation of the wildlife refuge near Burns. He and his co-defendants are charged with conspiring to impede Interior Department employees from doing their duties at the refuge.