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Philly Priest-Abuse Jury Goes Home After 9th Day



By Walt Hunter and Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) — A Philadelphia jury has failed to reach a verdict after nine days of deliberations in a groundbreaking priest-abuse case.

Several jurors appeared upset when they broke for the day Friday. But the panel has not signaled a stalemate and continues to ask for evidence from the three-month trial.

Monsignor William Lynn is the first U.S. church official charged over his handling of abuse complaints.

The 61-year-old Lynn served as secretary for clergy at the Roman Catholic archdiocese from 1992 to 2004.

Lynn is charged with conspiracy and child endangerment. He says he got many accused priests into treatment, but lacked the power to remove them from ministry.

The Rev. James Brennan is also on trial, charged with the attempted rape of a 14-year-old boy in 1996.

Marci Hamilton who co-wrote the 2005 Grand Jury report on priest abuse, now represents victims in civil cases.

"The survivors of clergy abuse are watching this trial. The longer it goes on, the more uncertain they feel. It's harder on them," said Hamilton.

The jury returns Monday.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The AssociatedPress contributed to this report.)

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