Juror kicked off Napier case after visiting rescued horse

FLORIDA -- A Manatee County judge has denied a defense request for a mistrial in the animal cruelty case against Alan Napier and Sheree Napier.
 

  

One of the jurors in the trial was excused this morning. A spokesperson for Manatee County court says the juror visited a facility where a horse was taken, after it was removed from the Napier’s animal sanctuary.

The entire jury was questioned about the incident. The defense requested a mistrial, but the judge denied that request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Napiers both face multiple animal cruelty charges. If convicted, they face three to 85 years in prison.

Testimony continues today. The trial could wrap up as early as tomorrow.

(WWSB ABC 7 - Feb 2, 2015)

Earlier:

• Napier's Animal Sanctuary: 300 rescued, county inspections showed no "issues"
• Horses rescued after East Manatee raid no longer 'forgotten'