Louisiana News
Fate of black teacher rests with jury
Posted: Nov 20, 2009 4:22 PM
Updated: Nov 20, 2009 4:22 PM
KENNETT, Mo. (AP) The fate of a black school teacher charged with assaulting police officers is now in the hands of a jury.
A jury of 10 white women, one black woman and one black man began deliberating the case of Heather Ellis late Friday.
Ellis, now a teacher in Louisiana, is charged with assaulting police officers, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace at a store in the southeast Missouri town of Kennett. Ellis maintained that white police officers had attacked and abused her.
The 24-year-old Ellis could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the felony charges against her.
The racial overtones of the case have drawn national interest.
Prosecutor Morley Swingle said the defense was trying to portray Kennett as "some racist Hooterville."
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