2 jurors removed from Boys’ Ranch case

Two jurors will be removed from deliberations in the Morning Star Boys’ Ranch sexual abuse case because of misconduct. The two discussed the case outside of deliberations, which led Superior Court Judge Kathleen O’Connor to dismiss them this morning. Two alternate jurors will be brought in. The alternates were present for the lengthy trial but have not been taking part in deliberations, which began Tuesday. Juror misconduct can be grounds for a mistrial, but O’Connor ruled that because no other jurors had heard the discussion, deliberations can continue. The judge heard testimony from the two jurors before making her decision. Deliberations are expected to start over today once the alternates arrive.