Mistrial in death of SC woman found in pond

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A judge has declared a mistrial in the death of a woman found shot to death in a Charleston County pond in 2009.

The judge made that determination after dismissing several jurors from considering the case against Jesse Murphy Jr. One juror said she could not emotionally handle the case, and another failed to disclose she was related to a paralegal in the prosecutor’s office.

Murphy had been charged with murder in the August 2009 death of 49-year-old Kathryn Keener. Authorities said Murphy shot Keener in the head and then dumped her body in a West Ashley pond less than six miles from her home.

Keener’s sport utility vehicle was found on fire the same day.

Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said she planned to retry Murphy.