Juror excused for falling asleep during Byers-Escobedo trial

SOUTH BEND - A juror was excused Wednesday afternoon in the neglect trial against Kristina Byers-Escobedo for falling asleep during testimony. The female juror was called in front of St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jane Woodward Miller during a break in the trial where the judge asked if the juror was feeling ill. It had become apparent during court proceedings that the juror was repeatedly falling asleep. The woman offered no real explanation for her actions. Miller told the woman that the case was too important to allow the juror to continue her position. She was excused. The juror apologized to the court before she left. An alternate juror will take the woman's spot.