Mistrial Declared in Castration Case

Rebecca Dawson, 35, is accused of using her fingernails to tear off Kevin Russ' scrotum at a Christmas party last year.

Prosecutors said Russ, 39, and Dawson were drinking at the party and got into a fight.

Russ said he was trying to keep Dawson from driving home because she had too much to drink when she clawed his face and grabbed his scrotum. The defense contended Dawson acted in self defense because she was being held after Russ wanted her to have sex with him and his girlfriend.

Jurors told Superior Court Judge Steve Balog they were split eight to four – there was no word on whether the majority was for conviction or acquittal – and he declared a mistrial.

Prosecutors said they intend to retry the case.