A Tompkins County murder trial collapsed into a mistrial Friday after jurors spent more than two days deadlocked over a fatal stabbing on Elmira Road, according to The Ithaca Voice.
Autreyu Massaline admitted during trial testimony that he stabbed 54-year-old Edward Warren last summer, but argued he acted in self-defense after Warren allegedly threatened his fiancée and used racist slurs. Prosecutors argued the killing was intentional. Jurors cleared Massaline of evidence tampering but could not agree on the second-degree murder charge.
Judge Joseph Cassidy said the jury had reached an impasse after repeatedly reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. Prosecutors plan to retry the case, with a new trial possible as early as September.
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