After learning Friday that jurors in a murder trial were divided 7-5, a Shawnee County District Court judge told them to keep deliberating.

Judge Brett Watson encouraged jurors to return with "clear minds" at 9 a.m. Monday to try to reach a verdict in the trial of Clint William Eugene Smith Jr., 24.

"It has been a long week, and perhaps a rest would be helpful to both sides," he said about 5:30 p.m. Friday.

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Judge learns jurors on both sides seem adamant about views

Friday was the fifth day of his trial for Smith, who faces charges linked to the fatal April 2021 shooting near S.E. 6th and Chandler of Emmanuel "Manny" Torres, 16. Chandler runs north and south and is located one block east of S.E. Branner.

Members of his family told The Capital-Journal at the time that they were seeking "justice for Manny."

Smith is charged with one felony count each of intentional and premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree murder in the commission of a felony and the criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, according to court records.

That decision came after the presiding juror told Watson some jury members on both sides of the deadlock appeared "adamant" that they wouldn't change their minds.

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Judge acknowledged he could tell some jurors weren't happy

Watson stressed to the seven men and five women on the jury that they were performing a "vital public service."

He said he could tell some jurors weren't happy that they would have to return Monday.

"However, this is the nature of jury service," Watson said. "You are forced to come in and you are forced to do this job."

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Divided jury in Topeka murder case told to resume deliberating Monday