Closely-Watched Mississippi Asbestos Case Declared Mistrial

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - A closely-watched asbestos trial in Mississippi has ended in a hung jury, forcing the presiding judge to declare a mistrial in the case. Scordino, et al v. Wheeler Protective Apparel, Inc., No. 89-5139 (Miss. Cir. Ct., Jackson Cty.).

The mistrial was declared by order Sept. 7 in the court of Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Dale Harkey.

Judge Harkey signed the order after the jury spent 10 hours deliberating, finally emerging without agreeing on a verdict. Jurors had voted eight to four in favor of defendant Wheeler Protective Apparel, Inc. Under state law, a mistrial is declared …