Jury deliberation in a trial stemming from a 2018 stabbing death in Yakutat stretched into a third day with no verdict released as of Thursday evening.
The trial began approximately three weeks ago, with closing statements from the defense and prosecution on Wednesday afternoon.
The defendant, John Lee Stapleton, 50, is being tried in the killing of John Fergerson, 61. Stapleton is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder. He faces up to 99 years in prison if convicted. The minimum sentence for first-degree murder is 30 years imprisonment, under Alaska statute.
Once the jury finishes deliberating, they will announce their verdict on the charges, ending the trial. The sentencing by Superior Court Judge Amy Mead will come later.
The defense was led by public defender Eric Hedland. District Attorney Angie Kemp led the prosecution.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
