Manslaughter trial of city man accused in crash that killed friend ends in hung jury

Lawrence Douglas during trial with his public defender David Betancourt, left, (Rochester Voice photo)

DOVER - A Rochester man is breathing a sigh of relief today after the jury deliberating in his manslaughter trial was unable to come to a unanimous decision.

The weeklong trial against Lawrence Douglas, 40, of Lafayette St., wrapped up with closing arguments on Monday after which jury deliberations began. They hit a roadblock on Tuesday after one juror had to be excused due to family issues, according to County Attorney Tom Verlardi.

Another juror was brought in and given final instructions before joining the others on Wednesday. The jury was found deadlocked later that day.

Douglas had been accused of causing the death of his best friend, James Gosselin, 54, who police said was a passenger in Douglas' Subaru Forester when the car crashed near Exit 15 on the Spaulding on April 15, 2016.

Douglas was charged with manslaughter and DWI in the crash. He was facing up to 30 years in state prison if found guilty.

From the day the trial started last week through Wednesday when the hung jury decision was announced, Douglas' family and friends as well as co-workers from Pit Bull Painting were in the courtroom to support him.

Douglas expressed deep concerns over the upcoming verdict, saying on social media on Monday morning, "Anyone else get "0" sleep last night? Lord be with me!"

Douglas, his public defender David Betancourt and Velardi were all unavailable for comment today.