Prosecution, Defense, Odoms React To Mistrial Decision

The jury remained deadlocked 7-5 after nine hours of deliberations.

"There's no reasonable possibility or probability of the jury's agreement upon a verdict," said Judge James Ammons.As a result, he said, "The court, on the motion of the defendant, declares a mistrial."

"I'm not relieved because justice wasn't served yet and hopefully it will [be] soon,"said Sandra Odom, who prosecutors say left her two stepsons alone in the family'sswimming pool last July.

"The only other thing I want to say is that we miss Jarrett," she said."It's not about me going to jail. We miss him as well. And we haven't had a chance to grieve. This is hard on the whole family, both sides. It's just terrible."

Odom's husband, Claude, said he would like to see another trial take place.

"Just look forward to getting all of the evidence presented in the next trial. There will be no plea," he said.

Odom's lawyers say she never left the boys alone. They also presented a medical expertwho suggested Jarrett could have died from water intoxication. His twin Garrett survivedthe incident and is now living with his biological mother, Janet Odom, whois fighting for full, permanent custody of him.

"It's not over until it's over, and I want justice for my son Jarrett," Janet Odom saidafter the mistrial was declared. "I'll do what it takes for my son. He is not coming back. She has all of her children and that all I have to say right now."

"In my wildest dreams, I don't understand that they could not come up with a verdict with the evidence," said Jean Beasley, a friend of Janet Odom.

Assistant District Attorney Margaret Cloutier says it is disappointing to go through the work of a trial without the end result of a verdict. She also says she does intend to try this case again.

"We're prepared to have another jury come in and hear because we believewith a full and fair trial, she'll be vindicated," defense attorney Tom Maher said.

One juror said that the panel had "pretty much made up our mind one way or the other."