A judge has declared a mistrial in the case of Javan Ervin. Police allege that Ervin was a robbery suspect who was fleeing from police when he hit pregnant Samantha Russell's car and killed her. Russell's son was delivered and survived the crash.
Tuesday marked the beginning of Ervin's trial; however, it was postponed at the conclusion of the day's hearing when a juror informed Judge Tyler Roush that another juror had allegedly made remarks concerning media coverage in the jury chamber.
A new trial is tentatively scheduled for June 5.
As for the juror who allegedly spoke about the media coverage, Roush found that juror in contempt of court.
The trial is the result of a deadly car accident on July 6, 2021. Officers were stationed near Maple and Ridge, attempting to apprehend robbery suspects. One of the suspects was believed to have left in a pickup truck. Police say they began pursuing the suspect but shortly called it off.
