Jurors hung on 2 counts in Philly abortion doctor case

CNN Wire Service

PHILADELPHIA — Two weeks after deliberations began, jurors in the trial of Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell told the judge Monday morning they are hung on two of the counts against him.

The judge was expected to give the jury further instructions Monday. It was not clear which counts the jury was referring to.

Gosnell, 72, faces four counts of first-degree murder, accused of killing four babies by using scissors to cut their spinal cords. Authorities allege that some of the infants were born alive and viable during the sixth, seventh and eighth months of pregnancy.

In Pennsylvania, abortions past 24 weeks are illegal unless the health of the mother is at stake.

He also faces a count of third-degree murder in the death of Karnamaya Mongar, 41, who authorities say died during a second-trimester abortion. Gosnell also is charged with conspiracy, abortion at 24 or more weeks of pregnancy, theft, corruption of minors, solicitation and other related offenses.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Gosnell, who is not a board-certified obstetrician or gynecologist, could be sentenced to death.