Another Mistrial For Rochester Man Charged With Fatal Shooting

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - For the second time in less than a year, a Rochester man has been brought to trial on a second-degree murder charge and the jury that heard the case was unable to reach a verdict.

Olmsted County District Judge Joseph Chase this afternoon declared a mistrial in the Alexander Weiss case. The declaration was made a couple hours after the judge directed the jury that heard the evidence against the Rochester man to continue deliberations even though the jurors earlier sent him a note indicating they were at an impasse and the jury members were firm in their positions.

Weiss was charged with shooting and killing 17-year-old Muhammed Rahim during a confrontation that followed a minor traffic crash in January of last year. Weiss took the witness stand near the end of the trial and testified that he was in fear of his life and the shooting was an act of self-defense.

The 26-year-old Weiss went to trial on the same charge in late April and early May of this year and the outcome was the same. A mistrial was declared after the jury indicated it was at an impasse and remained deadlocked after being directed by the judge to continue deliberations.

Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem must now decide whether to pursue another prosecution of Weiss or drop the case in light of the inability of a second jury to reach a unanimous verdict. A review hearing on the case has been scheduled in Olmsted County Court on November 26th.

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