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Jury reaches partial verdict in Kan. homicide

courtLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Lawrence man will be retried on a first-degree murder charge after a jury reached a partial verdict in the case.

A Douglas County jury on Monday convicted 30-year-old Dustin Walker of aggravated burglary but could not agree on a verdict on a first-degree murder charge after about 11 hours of deliberation.

Walker is charged with killing 39-year-old Patrick Roberts in March.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports prosecutors allege Walker and co-defendant Archie Robinson went to Roberts’ home to steal cash and marijuana and Walker shot Roberts during the crime.

The defense claimed Roberts’ brother attacked Robinson. Walker testified last week that Robinson was holding the gun when he was tackled and the gun went off, hitting Roberts.

A new trial date will be set in May.

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