Juror says she was the 911 caller in beating case

[October 21, 2010]  CINCINNATI (AP) -- An Ohio juror listening to opening statements in an assault case suddenly announced she saw the alleged beating and had called 911.

The woman was on a 12-person jury in Cincinnati hearing domestic violence and felonious assault charges against 42-year-old James Capell. Najah Johnson-Riddle blurted out Tuesday that she had called 911 after being awakened and seeing a female neighbor being beaten.

The Hamilton County judge declared a mistrial. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported prosecutors plan to call the former juror as a witness in the new trial. Capell has denied the allegations.

Authorities knew an anonymous 911 call had been made but never connected it to the juror. Jurors were asked personal background questions before being seated.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com/

[Associated Press]

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