Jury deliberations in Jonchuck's trial continue into second day
CLEARWATER, Fla. (FOX 13) - Jurors are now well into day two of deliberations in the John Jonchuck murder trial.
Jonchuck is the father, authorities said, who threw his 5-year-old daughter, Phoebe, over the Dick Meisner Bridge to her death in 2015. Closing arguments concluded on Monday afternoon, leaving the jury to deliberate from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. By then, they called it a day and returned to Pinellas County court this morning continue deliberating.
At this point, jurors have listened to three weeks' worth of testimony, and have a lot to consider in the case. Prosecutors argued that Jonchuck killed his daughter out of anger and revenge toward her mother.
Jonchuck's defense attorneys said their client wasn't in his right mind when he killed his daughter, instead explaining that he was acted legally insane and believed he and his daughter had to sacrifice their lives to save the world.
The jury could find Jonchuck guilty of first- or second-degree murder. They could also find him guilty of manslaughter. Jurors could also find him not guilty on all counts, or not guilty by reason of insanity.
Just after noon, they indicated they'd be ordering lunch in a possible signal that they are not close to a decision.
Previous coverage:
-John Jonchuck murder trial coming to a close
-Counselor rebuts expert witness on final day of Jonchuck trial
-Controversial psychologist testifies: 'Psychotic symptoms don't work like that'
-Psychologist: If Jonchuck was insane, he would have died with Phoebe
-Jonchuck tells court he will not testify in his own defense
-Jonchuck defense rests, making way for prosecution rebuttal
-Trial resumes as Jonchuck again deemed competent
-Jonchuck murder trial pauses for psychological evaluation
-Forensic psychologist: When Jonchuck killed Phoebe, he was insane
-Concerned about his behavior, former Jonchuck lawyer called 911 hours before Phoebe's death
-Prosecutors rest case against John Jonchuck
-Jonchuck trial moves into its second day
-Sanity a key question as Jonchuck jury selection enters day 3