Manchester, N.H. — A New Hampshire Superior Court judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the trial of a former youth counselor accused of a serious assault at a juvenile detention center, providing a rare glimpse into the challenges of prosecuting historical sexual abuse cases.
The mistrial follows a deadlock among the jury members, who were unable to reach a unanimous decision after nearly 12 hours of deliberation spread over three days. The case was being heard at Hillsborough County Superior Court North, where Stephen Murphy, 55, of Danvers, Massachusetts, stands accused of one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault stemming from an alleged 1998 incident.
According to officials, jurors twice communicated their inability to reach a consensus to Judge Amy Messer, first shortly after midday and again just before the late afternoon. The trial centered on allegations that Murphy assaulted a 14-year-old boy while employed at the Youth Development Center (YDC) in Manchester.
The allegations against Murphy are part of a larger pattern of claims involving the YDC, reflecting longstanding concerns about the oversight and management of state-run juvenile facilities. Michael Gilpatrick, the alleged victim, now 41 and residing in Nashua, testified that he was assaulted by Murphy and two other staff members.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that while Gilpatrick might not remember precise dates, his consistent recounting over time of the abuse he suffered was compelling. Assistant Attorney General Audriana Mekula pointed out that Gilpatrick had given similar accounts in interviews, depositions, and prior testimony, suggesting a pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents.
In contrast, defense attorney Charles J. Keefe contended that no physical evidence supported Gilpatrick’s claims. Keefe highlighted supposed inconsistencies in Gilpatrick’s accounts and noted the absence of documented injuries consistent with the alleged assault. He argued that timelines and employment records did not support the prosecution’s version of events.
This case marks the second such mistrial involving former employees of the YDC accused of child sexual abuse, following a similar outcome in a trial involving another staffer last year. Legal observers note these cases highlight the difficulties in prosecuting historical sexual assault cases, especially those occurring in institutional settings.
The court has yet to schedule a new trial date for Murphy. Meanwhile, the broader implications of these repeated mistrials may prompt a reevaluation of how such sensitive and serious allegations are handled by the state’s criminal justice system.
Gilpatrick, whose past includes multiple interactions with the juvenile justice system, stressed during the trial that he did not initially report the abuse due to feelings of shame and guilt. It was only years later, emboldened by other disclosures of institutional abuse, that he chose to come forward.
The ongoing judicial processes serve as stark reminders of the complex legacy of state-run juvenile detention centers and the profound impact they have had on those who passed through their doors. As the community and the state grapple with these revelations, the demand for accountability and reform in juvenile justice practices continues to mount.
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