Jurors Request Testimony Readbacks

CAMDEN, N.J. November 8th, 2001 — Jurors in the murder-for-hire trial of Cherry Hill Rabbi Fred J. Neulander asked Thursday for extensive readbacks of witness testimony. The jury sent a note to Judge Linda G. Baxter requesting readbacks of complete testimony of five witnesses and partial testimony of confessed hitman and key prosecution witness Len Jenoff. They asked that the readback be done outside the purview of the media, saying they did not want media speculation about where they stand in their deliberations. But Baxter ruled that the testimony would be read back in open court.

The readback began with the testimony of Matthew Neulander, the rabbi's son, who testified for the prosecution. There was no immediate indication of which of the other witnesses' testimony would be read.

Thursday marked the fifth day of deliberations in the case.

Through Wednesday, the jurors had deliberated for nearly 24 hours _ and they hadn't asked Baxter a legal question.

They are considering murder charges against Neulander, 60, who is accused of arranging the Nov. 1, 1994, slaying of his wife, Carol.

If he is convicted of the most serious charges, Neulander could face the death penalty.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News