THE MENENDEZ TRIAL: A Death in the Family of a Juror
NEWARK – A death in the family of a juror hearing Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial is threatening to push back progress on the already lengthy trial.
The juror’s grandfather died suddenly, and the wake and funeral are Monday and Tuesday. The attorneys in the case and Judge William Walls will decide whether to replace the juror with an alternate, recess for those two days next week, or simply start later in the day.
Opening arguments in the case began Sept. 6, seven weeks ago today in a trial that was supposed to last between six and eight weeks. The prosecution didn’t rest their case until last Wednesday. Walls has approved a trial schedule that has court meeting up until Thanksgiving if necessary.
After an appearance by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka yesterday to support Menendez, former Gov. Jim McGreevey is in court today. McGreevey is seated in the second row of the gallery, right behind Menendez’s son and daughter.
UPDATE: Judge William Walls has excused the juror from the rest of the trial, directing the first of four alternates to take the juror’s place. The trial will continue as scheduled Monday and Tuesday.
Testimony for today finally got underway shortly after 10:30 a.m. as the defense called a former Commerce Department official to the stand.
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