That this jury was rather badly instructed is also a factor in this case. I know nothing of the voir dire, but I am willing to bet that one or two were chosen because of an illegal alien family connection. Sutton's team had a great many more resources in this area than the defense.
I understand that at one point, the jury was for acquittal, but was dissuaded by one or two members to go otherwise. Call me cynical, but in this area of the country, corrupted by huge amounts of drug money at every level of law enforcement and administration, I trust nothing.. and no one.
I will not argue that the jury instructions were “good.” The 5th Circuit ruled on the jury instructions, however.