POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — A Dutchess County murder trial has ended in a mistrial after jurors announced they were deadlocked, unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the high-profile case involving the 2024 killing of Jaquan Fryar on Main Street in Poughkeepsie.
After nearly a week of deliberations, the jury informed the court that further discussion would not change their positions. As a result, Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin declared a mistrial on Friday morning.
The Defendants: Jan Michael Deere and Joseph Gonzalez
The two men on trial were Jan Michael Deere, 37, and Joseph Gonzalez, 45. Both were charged in connection with Fryar’s death during a violent altercation that took place inside an illegal bar in Poughkeepsie.
According to testimony, Fryar initially attacked Gonzalez at the unlicensed establishment. He then left the premises but returned a short time later. At that point, Deere fired a gun, striking Fryar in the head. Fryar later died from the injury.
Deere’s legal team argued that the shooting was an act of self-defense, claiming he feared Fryar would cause further harm either to himself or to Gonzalez upon his return.
Deliberations Breakdown: From Allen Charge to Deadlock
The jury began deliberating the case on Monday, but by Tuesday afternoon, they informed Judge McLoughlin they were deadlocked. In response, the judge issued an Allen Charge on Wednesday—a specific instruction meant to encourage continued deliberation when a jury is at an impasse.
The Allen Charge urged jurors to revisit the evidence with open minds and consider changing their positions if convinced by further discussion. Jurors were told:
“Start with a fresh slate. Do not feel bound by how you felt before—whether you favored conviction or acquittal. Have the courage to be flexible. Be willing to change your position if a reevaluation of the evidence convinces you that a change is appropriate.”
Despite those efforts, the jury returned on Thursday evening still divided. By Friday morning, Judge McLoughlin formally ended the trial, thanking the jurors for their time and diligence.
Jury Split: 11 to 1
Conversations with members of the jury revealed that 11 jurors favored conviction, but one juror held out, ultimately preventing a unanimous verdict.
While the jury’s split ends this phase of the case, it does not bring closure.
District Attorney Vows to Re-Try Case
District Attorney Anthony Parisi confirmed that his office intends to prosecute the case again, emphasizing that a hung jury does not equate to acquittal.
“While we respect the jury’s service, a hung jury does not equal a verdict,” Parisi said. “We believe the evidence warrants another trial, and we’re committed to pursuing justice to its rightful conclusion.”
Jury selection for the new trial has been scheduled to begin on May 28, 2025, with the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office already preparing for the retrial.
Defense Attorneys Stand Firm Behind Self-Defense Claim
Jan Michael Deere was represented by attorneys Phil Sayles and Kelley Enderley, who both stood by their client’s account of the incident.
“Mr. Deere was defending his brother and himself. I will always stand behind that,” Sayles told Mid-Hudson News.
Enderley added that she was proud of the jury for sticking to their principles.
“I am thankful for the 12 jurors who gave their time to participate in the process and thoroughly analyzed all of the evidence that was presented to them, while standing their ground amidst pressure to change their opinion.”
Co-Defendant’s Counsel Expects a Re-Trial
Steven Patterson, who represented co-defendant Joseph Gonzalez, also expressed little surprise at the mistrial or the DA’s decision to move forward with a second trial.
“I’m not surprised that the People will re-try the case,” Patterson said. “We have not been able to agree on a disposition of the matter, so the only viable option is a re-trial.”
While the defense maintains their clients acted lawfully, the prosecution continues to assert that the use of deadly force was unjustified.
What’s Next?
With jury selection already scheduled, the case will return to court later this month. The second trial will give both sides a chance to present their arguments again before a new jury.
Until then, Deere and Gonzalez remain at the center of a case that raises complex legal questions about self-defense, reasonable fear, and the limits of force in confrontational situations.
The retrial is expected to attract continued attention, both from legal observers and the local Poughkeepsie community, as both families seek resolution and justice in the death of Jaquan Fryar.
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