Mistrial declared for man charged in wife’s death

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — A judge has declared a mistrial for a western Kentucky man charged with killing his wife after jurors said they were deadlocked.

Prosecutors say Julie Griffith was shot three times last January before her body was found inside her Reidland home, which had been set ablaze. Her husband, Keith Griffith, was indicted on charges of murder, arson and evidence tampering.

The Paducah Sun (http://bit.ly/1A911sz) reports jurors deliberated for six hours Wednesday after closing arguments were presented in the case, but could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Keith Griffith maintained his innocence. His attorney, Mark Bryant, attacked the police investigation and said the jury’s indecision shows he built a strong defense.

Prosecutor Raymond McGee said the state will retry the case.