Moussaoui jury to deliberate for fourth day

Jurors in the Zacarias Moussaoui case reached a fourth day of deliberations today to decide whether the September 11 conspirator should be executed or sentenced to life in a US prison.

The jury of nine men and three women in Alexandria, Virginia, has deliberated for 16 hours over three days.

They have asked only one question – a request on Tuesday for a dictionary.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema denied the request, saying that giving them a dictionary would be like placing extraneous evidence in the jury room. She said jurors could submit a written question if they needed specific definitions.

The jury has only two choices: death or life in prison without possibility of release.

If jurors cannot reach a unanimous decision, Brinkema automatically will sentence him to life.

The 42-page verdict form asks jurors to make findings on aggravating factors, such as whether Moussaoui acted with planning and premeditation, and mitigating factors, including whether he suffers from a mental illness and the extent of his role.

The 37-year-old Frenchman is the only person in the US charged over the September 11 attacks.