STATE BRIEFS
State briefs: Monday, April 28, 2008

Published: April 28, 2008

A woman was shot at a neighborhood park on Sunday and was declared dead after being taken to a local hospital, Oklahoma City police said.

A woman who said she was the victim's aunt identified the victim as Shonda Hamilton, 19.

Patricia Williams, the aunt, said her niece was shot in the back of the head and was taken to Presbyterian Hospital.

Lt. Steve Bennett said the victim was with a group of girls at North Highland Park at 82nd Street and N Harvey Placewhen a second group of girls arrived. A verbal exchange ensued, followed by the shooting about 8 p.m., Bennett said.

An Oklahoma County jury was unable to reach a verdict in a first-degree murder trial this weekend, said Assistant District Attorney Dan Gridley. A new trial date has not been set.

Eldejuan Neal, 21, is accused by authorities of fatally shooting Darrel Titsworth, 34, on April 30 during an apparent drug deal.

District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure sequestered the jury Friday, and about 4:30 p.m., the jury was still deadlocked 11-1 in favor of conviction when it was decided a verdict could not be reached.

Prosecutors do not plan to file charges against a Johnston County woman who told authorities she stabbed her ex-boyfriend in self-defense.

Assistant District Attorney Charles Migliorino says he consulted sheriff's deputies and investigation reports from Chickasaw Lighthorse Police before deciding not to file charges against Alice Lynne Pittman of Pontotoc.

Migliorino says Pittman was kidnapped by Presley S. Hamilton, 37, on April 7 but was able to get his pocket knife before stabbing him twice. He died from his wounds.

From Staff and Wire Reports