Jurors divided 9 to 3 in Nodine trial

BAY MIENTTE, Alabama (WALA) - After two weeks of testimony, and over 300 pieces of evidence, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the murder and felony stalking charges in Steve Nodine's murder trial. Nodine was found guilty on the ethics charge, which is a class A misdemeanor. That means the jury does believe Nodine bused his privileges as a Mobile County commissioner.

It took the jury more than seven hours to decide not to decide. One juror, Judy Barton, said she is extremely disappointed that the group couldn't come to agreement.

"I'll probably cry all the way home because I'm disappointed, because we worked so hard to try and come to a conclusion. And then, you know, I think it's all about her and I think she couldn't defend herself, and because she couldn't defend herself and it's just sad when you have this much evidence and then you go home and worry about it," Barton said.

Barton said that inside the jury deliberation room it got very tense and people raised their voices towards the final hour.

On the murder and felony stalking charges, nine out of twelve people were in favor of convicting Nodine, including Barton.

Barton said she believes Nodine killed Angel Downs.

"The fact that I was convinced, she was wanting to move on with her life. I clearly believe she loved him with all her heart. I don't think he did he didn't evidently, and she was wanting to move on," explained Barton.

Downs' mother, Thelma Hinckley, was disappointed with the mistrial, but she's ready for a retrial.

"Yes, I'll do it tomorrow if they want," Hinckley said.

Hinckley said regardless of the outcome, she is happy with the state's presentation of the case.

"I am very pleased, very much so. They have not disappointed us at all. I just wish they would have let the truth come out about my daughter and what has happened to her in the last few years," said Barton.