One Juror Replaced; Deliberations Start Anew

CHILTON, Wis. -- Deliberations in the Steven Avery murder trial have started anew after the replacement of one jury member.

One jury member reported an "unforseen family emergency" Thursday evening. After verifying the emergency with the court, the juror was excused.

The court was then faced with three options: declare a mistrial, continue deliberations with 11 jurors or replace the excused juror with one of the alternates. The defense, prosecution, and Steven Avery all confirmed with the court their desire to replace the excused juror with an alternate.

Judge Patrick Willis informed the jury that they must start the deliberation process over, beginning with electing a new foreperson, so that all jurors can be an engaged, active member of the deliberation process.