People v. Torres

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

The order of the Appellate Division should be reversed and a new trial ordered.

Defendant was tried in Kings County on various narcotics-related charges. After the case had been submitted to the jury, the Trial Justice left the courthouse to preside over another matter in Queens County. During his absence, the jury sent out a note indicating that it had reached an impasse and was unable to reach a verdict. Having been informed of the problem by telephone, the Trial Justice directed a court officer to tell the jury that it should "continue to deliberate” and to…