FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: Jurors can’t reach verdict in Oxford wrongful termination case; judge rules mistrial

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Eleven days in Superior Court, 15 hours of deliberations and still no verdict. The Holden Beach Police wrongful firing trial ended today with a hung jury. Judge Ola Lewis declared a mistrial. The jury says it was still stuck 10-2, and no one was going to change his or her mind.

An overwhelming show of support from jurors, who literally put their arms around ex-cop Terri Oxford.

“I was just, just put myself in her shoes, and it did get very emotional for me,” juror Loraine Cooper said. Some jurors say they wanted to award Oxford a seven-figure settlement.

“Two million dollars at least,” Cooper said.

But a majority isn’t enough. Two people sided with the town, leading to a hung jury.

“I believe Terri was fired because she broke the chain of command and the town rules,” juror Becky Mooney said. “I don’t feel like it was because she was a woman.”

Mooney said anyone who behaved like Oxford would have gotten fired, regardless of gender. It’s a point town attorney Norwood Blanchard made clear in the case. Still, blanchard says it’s hard not to rethink things.

“You always get an opportunity to look back at the way you tried it the first time and make adjustments to the things you should’ve possibly done different,” Blanchard said.

These attorneys will have another chance. Oxford’s attorney says he’s armed and ready.

“We have learned of some very interesting new developments that we plan on using at the next trial,” James Hairston said.

In some ways, the former interim chief says she’s already won her case.

“Just knowing when the ladies came out, they hugged my neck, they cried,” Oxford said. “They made me cry, but it was good to know that they were back there fighting for me so hard, and they told me to be sure and not give up, and you can bet I won’t.”

“I really believe now that when it does go back to trial that I know she’ll have a really good case, and I’m going to be there every single day of the trial,” Cooper said. “I’m going to be there for her, even though I don’t know her. I’m going to get to know her.”

Oxford’s attorneys say they plan to retry the case in front of a whole new jury by Christmas.

Holden Beach Police Chief Wally Layne said he wanted to talk on-camera with us about the case, but Layne says his boss won’t let him. Oxford says she’s sending out job applications, and just put one in with the Ports Authority.