Mistrial Declared for Man Accused of Stalking Ashanti

A juror's illness has prompted a Manhattan judge to declare a mistrial for a man accused of stalking R&B star Ashanti.

The New York Times says that if prosecutors seek a new trial, Ashanti might have to be questioned a second time by defendant Devar Hurd, who represented himself.

The mistrial was declared Thursday, two days after the Grammy winner testified.

Ashanti said she was scared and "disgusted" when she learned in July 2013 that a fan who'd been convicted of stalking her had since been tweeting her X-rated messages and posed for a photo with her sister.

Hurd, a would-be rapper and fitness trainer, was convicted in 2009 of stalking and served about two years in jail. He says Ashanti should have blocked the accounts if they upset her.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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