A juror tasked with determining whether or not Word of Faith Fellowship minister Brooke Covington led a mob-style attack on a gay congregant found himself in trouble with the court. NBC News reported that 71-year-old Perry Shade Jr. received a 30-day jail sentence, as well as a $500 fine, for bringing outside documents into the jury's deliberation room, which he proceeded to share with other jurors.
Upon learning of Shade's actions, Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus declared a mistrial, before handing down the jury member's sentence.
"This juror has impaired the integrity and fairness of the trial … therefore I am removing this juror and declaring a mistrial. I instructed the jurors over and over again not to do research."
According to the report, Matthew Fenner, the former Word of Faith Fellowship congregant at the center of the trial, appeared disappointed, but was prohibited from discussing the case. However, Fenner's friends and family members were not bound by the gag order, with many expressing their disappointment at how the trial ended.
One former Word of Faith Fellowship member, John Cooper, called the outcome "unfair," pointing out that Fenner had been waiting for justice for four years. Fenner's aunt, Linda Reider, said that his family and friends will encourage him to keep fighting for justice.
