SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
What will happen this time? Tuesday, a jury was seated in the retrial of Sioux City man, Bradley Gregg. He's accused of throwing a punch that killed a man outside a 4th Street bar two years ago.
It all happened minutes after midnight on October 30th, 2010. Police say two strangers, Bradley Gregg of Sioux City, and Tasha Redding-McDonald of Ida Grove, were exchanging insults.
Tasha's husband, Joe McDonald, stepped in to help his wife. He approached Gregg, who struck him twice in the face. McDonald fell to the ground, knocked-out.
"There's a guy in a striped shirt who just punched this guy, and he hit his, like, head really hard on the cement." said a 911 caller.
McDonald was transported to Mercy Medical Center, he never woke up.
Gregg was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault Causing Serious Injury. That's up to ten years in prison if found guilty. His trial started in mid-September of 2011.
"Ladies and gentleman this is Joe McDonald," said Assistant Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis holding a picture of the victim. "We are here today because he's not."
In proceedings, Gregg's attorney Mike Williams didn't deny what happened. Instead, he claimed his client acted in self-defense.
"It's a terrible thing to happen. It was not intended. Terrible, no doubt about that, but the facts are clear," said Williams.
The jury took it all into account, and deliberated Gregg's fate for four days. In the end, they couldn't agree. The trial was destined for a do over.
"You have been deliberating for over twenty hours, which is almost as much time as you have spent listening to evidence. The court is satisfied that the jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision with in a reasonable time," said Judge Jeffrey Poulson.
Gregg faces the same charges in his retrial. Opening statements will begin Wednesday morning. His jury is made up of five men, seven women, and two male alternates. The trial is expected to last up to ten days.
