A Miami-Dade jury could not agree on a unanimous verdict for a woman accused of murdering the foster child in her care several years ago.
After days of deliberation with no progress in sight, the judge granted the defense's motion for a mistrial. The state may bring the accused to trial again should they decide.
67-year old Geralyn Graham was accused of first-degree murder for the supposed death of a foster child that was in her care roughly 12 years ago. The child's body was never found but was presumed dead by law enforcement.
In addition to murder charges, Graham was charged with kidnapping and aggravated child abuse. Each offense carries a maximum of 30 years in prison.
If sentenced consecutively on those charges, Graham will face 60 years in prison. At her age, that would easily be a life sentence.
The judge has set a date for sentencing. At that date, the state will likely announce whether they plan on continuing with the murder prosecution or whether they will settle for a sentence on the kidnapping and aggravated child abuse counts.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward.