TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A defense investigator has been told to stop contacting members of a Tucson jury who convicted a once-prominent U.S. socialite last week in the 1996 car bomb killing of her ex-husband.
Pima County Superior Court officials said Wednesday that Judge Richard Fields has signed a cease and desist order.
They say it was brought to the court’s attention that a central witness in the Pamela Phillips trial was actively attempting to contact jurors.
The judge says no hint of juror misconduct has been shown and “the defense shall cease and desist from having their investigator contact jurors immediately.”
Phillips was convicted April 8 of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Tucson businessman Gary Triano.
She faces life in prison at her May 22 sentencing hearing.
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