Some have questioned JA's mother's FB post the night before referencing "it only takes one," and MDLR's tweet "I told you faith works" the next morning before the "verdict" was read in open court. If we go back and look at the events leading up to the "verdict," it seems pretty clear that both the PT and the DT knew the outcome before the jury went home on 3/4. And I think they probably also knew who the holdout was.
Wed 2/25 - the jury gets case. According to the jury press conference, the initial vote was about 50/50, with a few undecided.
Thurs 2/26 - they take another vote and are now at 11-1
Fri 2/27 - Mon 3/2 - court is in recess
Mon 3/2 - continue deliberations with the focus obviously on J17.
Tues 3/3 - two questions (#5 and #6) are sent to JSS. Based on the press conference, we now know one Q was asking for an alternate because one juror (we don't know if they identified her as J17 or not) was closed off to examining evidence and had potential bias because she brought up the Lifetime movie and things she had seen on the news. We do not know what the 2nd Q was, but know it was submitted by J17, and I would assume she identified herself. The PT and DT know the questions. JSS calls in the jury and responds to both questions by giving the modified impasse instruction.
Wed 3/4 - closed door session announced for 1:00. The media waited outside assuming either a verdict had been reached or the jury was hung. Court doors finally unlock only to find the Alexanders leave the courthouse, followed by the attorneys. We now know this was a juror question - stating they were deadlocked, minds were made up, the status has not changed since last Thursday, and some said to let the judge know today or they want off the jury.
Thurs 3/5 - "verdict" to be announced at 9:30. JSS reads the juror question from late the day before, and one more from that morning stating the status has not changed. JSS declares a mistrial.
So because the deadlock came in the form of a juror question on 3/4 and a closed session was held, the hung jury on 3/5 was no surprise to the PT or DT. And I think based on juror questions 5 and 6, it was probably revealed who the holdout was. I think that info was leaked after court on 3/4 and as soon as JSS officially declared a mistrial on 3/5, the names were posted online. MOO