Jury ‘hopelessly deadlocked’ after monthlong murder trial
A Clark County jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of a Las Vegas man accused of murder by child abuse in connection with the 2008 death of a
2-year-old boy.
Judge Valorie Vega declared a hung jury Wednesday in the case against Victor Fakoya, 42, after the jury deliberated for two days and told the judge it was "hopelessly deadlocked," according to court records.
A new trial date was set for Nov. 8.
The monthlong trial featured expert testimony brought by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Fakoya had sponsored the boy, Daniel Jaiyesimi, and his family, who had relocated to the United States from Nigeria in December 2007. Daniel and his family were living at Fakoya's Las Vegas house .
Authorities say that on Aug. 8, 2008, Daniel suffered injuries consistent with child abuse while in Fakoya's care. He died three days later at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
Fakoya took the witness stand in his own defense. Daniel's father, Musediq Jaiyesimi, testified on behalf of the prosecution.
Fakoya remained in the Clark County Detention Center on $500,000 bond, according to jail records. His attorneys asked to have the bond lowered to $100,000, and a bail hearing is scheduled for March 25.
