11/20/09 9:30am Update:

The defense has withdrawn their motion for the mistrial. They are moving ahead with the case. Attorneys are meeting separately right now to discuss how to move forward with the trial after the testimony of Ashley Crouch, which violated the previously agreed to terms of the trial. She mentioned part of his criminal past, specifically that he was on probation.

11/20/09 8:47am Update:

We have just received word from our reporter in the courtroom that defense attorneys are currently making motions for a mistrial

11:19:09 11:00pm Update:


Lee County - A dramatic twist in the Juan Mendez murder trial.

A mistrial may be declared.

Mendez is facing two second degree murder charges for the stabbing deaths of his estranged wife, Whitney Mendez and her mother, Lori Stone.

Both women were murdered in their Lehigh Acres home in 2006.

Late Thursday afternoon, the State's last witness Ashley Crouch inadvertently mentioned something about Juan Mendez's criminal past while on the witness stand.

This is not allowed because it could prejudice the jury and violate his right to a fair trial.

Ashley Crouch was friends with Whitney Mendez.

After she made the comment, attorneys immediately side bared with the Judge.

Mendez's attorneys don't want to ask for mistrial, but it may be the only option.

Prior to this mistake, the State's case was at the finish line.

Ashley was their last witness and they seemed to have a solid case.

Thursday morning two DNA experts testified traces of Juan's DNA could be found under the fingernails of the victims and on the handle of the murder weapon.

Court will reconvene Friday morning at 8:30am.

Then the judge and attorneys will discuss what should happen.

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