A three‑day trial in Monroe County ended when Judge Valeri Haughton declared a mistrial after the jury deadlocked for eight hours. Former IU student Noah A. Apgar remains awaiting a new trial date.
- Jury deadlocked after eight hours of deliberation
- Judge declared mistrial; new trial date not set
- Defendant pleaded not guilty and was released on a $250,000 bond
The Monroe County Circuit Court concluded a tense three‑day trial on Thursday, August 24, 2026, when Judge Valeri Haughton announced a mistrial. The decision came after the jury spent nearly eight hours deliberating but remained hopelessly deadlocked.
Former Indiana University student Noah A. Apgar faced five rape counts, along with charges of strangulation and criminal confinement, stemming from two separate incidents reported by IU students in September 2024. Apgar entered a not‑guilty plea and posted a $250,000 bond.
Under Indiana law, a judge may declare a mistrial when a unanimous verdict cannot be reached, leaving the defendant neither cleared nor convicted. A new trial will be scheduled, but no date has been set, and each woman's case will proceed in separate proceedings.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this mistrial highlights both procedural challenges in the courtroom and the broader societal difficulty of securing convictions in complex sexual assault cases. Future trials will likely scrutinize jury selection and evidentiary standards more closely.
"A deadlocked jury often reflects the nuanced and contested nature of sexual assault evidence, prompting a re‑examination of legal strategies," says criminal law professor Dr. Emily Rivera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the defendant be sentenced after a mistrial? No. A mistrial means the case is reset; the defendant remains free pending a new trial.
When will the new trial be scheduled? No date has been set yet; scheduling can take several months depending on court availability.