CLEVELAND (AP) — Jurors in Ohio's Amish beard-cutting trial asked for the judge's guidance but have ended deliberations for the day without reaching a verdict.
The fourth day of deliberations in Cleveland federal court recessed late Wednesday and will resume Thursday morning.
In response to a jury question, the judge says a conspiracy wouldn't necessarily need to involve all nine victims or all 16 defendants. Defense attorneys argued that the indictment specified a plot against nine victims.
The government calls the attacks on fellow Amish hate crimes based on religious differences. The defense says it was an internal church dispute and doesn't rise to a criminal level.
Prosecutors say the defendants cut off Amish men's beards and women's hair because the hair carries spiritual significance in their faith.
