LEBANON, Ohio, June 2 (UPI) -- A second trial for an Ohio man accused of drowning his wife in a bathtub has ended in a hung jury.
Judge Neal Bronson declared a mistrial Tuesday for Ryan Widmer after jurors told him at 5 p.m. they did not believe they could ever reach a unanimous decision, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Jurors in Warren County Court of Common Pleas deliberated for 31 hours.
"I just want this to be over," Widmer said. "I'm disappointed, obviously. I should be found not guilty."
Widmer, 29, allegedly killed his wife, Sarah, 24, in their home in Hamilton in 2008. He says his wife drowned accidentally, and his lawyers argue he would have been marked by a struggle with his wife and that any injuries on her body were caused by his attempts at artificial resuscitation.
Prosecutors must now decide whether to try Widmer a third time, while his lawyers are expected to ask the judge to declare an acquittal.
Widmer was convicted at his first trial, but the verdict was overturned because of juror misconduct. His legal expenses have cost his family $350,000, forcing his mother to empty her retirement accounts and return to work.
