WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioThird murder trial for Austintown man declared mistrial

Third murder trial for Austintown man declared mistrial

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio- The third attempt to try an Austintown man for a murder eight years ago has been declared a mistrial.

Christopher Anderson is accused of strangling Amber Zurcher, 22, to death inside her Austintown apartment in June 2002.

Jury selection for the trial was underway when a prospective juror noticed one of Anderson's attorneys sleeping during the questioning of several other possible jurors.

The attorney said medication he takes for his diabetes can cause him to fall asleep.

Anderson's first trial in 2003 was also declared a mistrial and a second trial in 2008 ended in a hung jury.