Mistrial Declared in Youshock Sanity Trial

A mistrial was declared this afternoon in Redwood City in the sanity trial of Alexander Youshock, who was found guilty last week of attempted murder of his former Hillsdale High school chemistry teacher.

After more than four days of deliberation, the jury remained deadlocked on deciding whether Youshock's mental impairment prevented him from realizing the consequences of trying to trap his former teachers in classrooms and kill them with a chainsaw.

Last week, the jury convicted Youshock of six felony counts: attempting to murder his former chemistry teacher, Meghan Spalding; exploding a destructive device in an act of terrorism; possession of a destructive device in a public place; carrying a concealed dagger; carrying a concealed explosive; and exploding a destructive device with the intent to kill.

The jury did not convict Youshock of a second charge of attempted murder.

In the sanity phase of the trial, the burden of proving that Youshock was insane on the morning of his attack rested with the defense because the defendant was presumed sane, Chief Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti said.

Youshock would be institutionalized if found not guilty by reason of insanity, which he has pleaded to all of the charges against him. He currently remains in jail pending a reset of the sanity trial, which includes a newly selected jury and arguments given by each attorney.

Attorneys involved in the trial will meet to reset the sanity phase on April 27 at 9 a.m. in San Mateo County Courthouse's Department 24 in Redwood City.

--- Bay City News