Shore Murder Trial Jury Deadlocked

A mistrial was declared Thursday in the case of a tourist accused of fatally stabbing another man during a street fight in Cape May.

After five days of deliberations, an eight-woman, four-man jury couldn't reach a verdict in the case of Joseph M. Campon, 19, of Schenectady, N.Y., who was charged with murder after the July 2, 2001, brawl.

Christopher Loftus, 19, of Lower Township, died after being stabbed with a pocketknife.

Campon contended he acted in self-defense. Prosecutors said Campon willingly engaged in the fight, knowing he had a knife in his pocket and never attempted to flee.

Loftus and a friend, Matthew Small, crossed paths with the vacationing Campon in an oceanfront arcade after making passes at Campon's 16-year-old sister, Serena, and 16-year-old cousin, Carly.

There was no immediate word on whether prosecutors would seek a retrial.

Campon could face life in prison if convicted of murder.

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