Juror removed after misconduct; to be tried for contempt of court in David Prevatte murder trial

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A juror’s comment is shaking up the David Prevatte murder trial in Burgaw as the judge investigates juror misconduct.

On Thursday, the judge began questioning jurors after juror two claimed juror three allegedly said “I know more about this than I can say.”

Juror three allegedly made additional comments about Prevatte’s background including a claim about Prevatte not being involved in the KKK and that he had been ostracized by his community.

Juror three allegedly claimed “this is the biggest case to hit Pender,” and caused Prevatte to move out of town after he was named a suspect in the case. Juror 3 additionally stated that Prevatte “can’t be racist because his girlfriend is Black and he has a child with her.”

Several other jurors confirmed those comments were made. Prosecutors fear the statements could bias the jury. The juror was found to be in contempt of court for not being forthcoming about the information they knew prior to trial and was not truthful with the judge when questioned about the comments made during jury deliberation.

The judge ruled the defendant could still have a fair and impartial trial as the comment’s made were not in relation to any evidence presented during trial.