Jurors to resume deliberations in case involving death of Berit Beck after deadlock
FOND DU LAC — There were signs Tuesday, June 28th of a hung jury in Fond du Lac County.
Jurors on Tuesday resumed deliberations in trial of a man accused of killing an 18-year-old woman in 1990.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m., FOX6's Myra Sanchick reported from the Fond du Lac County Courthouse that the jury indicated they could not reach a verdict -- and asked the judge for guidance.
Dennis Brantner
62-year-old Dennis Brantner is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Berit Beck. It took more than two decades to arrest and charge a suspect in this case -- and now, a verdict may not happen.
Jurors reconvened Tuesday morning after deliberating Monday afternoon.
After at least eight-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the jury indicated Tuesday afternoon it may not be able to reach a verdict -- asking the judge for instructions regarding this impasse.
"They've certainly been at it a long time. They've asked for a lot of exhibits. I think it's fair to infer they have been acting in good faith for many hours," Craig Powell, Brantner's attorney said.
The prosecutor argued that the jury didn't indicate it was impossible to reach a decision -- and that the jury should continue deliberating until a deadlock persists.
"I am reluctant to do nothing at this point and not give them a last opportunity or another opportunity to reach some resolution," Judge Gary Sharpe said.
Around 4:30 p.m., FOX6 News learned the jury would be headed home for the day, and there would be no verdict Tuesday.
Jurors will be back in the courtroom Wednesday morning.
The judge on Tuesday re-read his instructions to the jury, and the jurors agreed to resume deliberations Wednesday.
Berit Beck
Back on July 17, 1990, Berit Beck made a stop at a store on her way from Sturtevant to Appleton for work. She was never seen alive again.
Beck’s van was found in a Fond du Lac parking lot two days later. Approximately five-and-a-half weeks later, her body was found in rural Fond du Lac County. Autopsy reports concluded that strangulation was likely the cause of death.
Berit Beck
Berit Beck's body found
Two years ago, testing found Dennis Brantner's fingerprint DNA on Beck's vehicle.
According to a criminal complaint, Branter’s fingerprints were on a number of items officials found in Beck’s van — including a Burger King cup and a bleach kit. Officials say Beck bought the kit at Walgreens the day she disappeared. A total of nine of the Racine truck driver's fingerprints were found either in the van or on items in the van.
In 2014, Brantner was questioned and eventually broke down into tears.
Dennis Brantner