MADRAS — The trial of Rafael Gomez, the man who allegedly stole an AR-15-style rifle out of vehicle during the Jefferson County Fair in 2022 and attempted to shoot multiple people, ended in a mistrial Wednesday due to juror misconduct.

“In spite of what I told you two days in a row, a juror deliberately ignored my instruction and took it upon himself to conduct an investigation into this case and to do internet research as well,” Judge Daina Vitolins said. “I am deeply disappointed to tell you that I must declare a mistrial.”

Jurors are prohibited from conducting their own research during a trial because outside opinions or unverified information could interfere with the right to a fair and impartial trial. Vitolins informed the jury of this rule several times.

Outside influence was a particular concern in this case, in part due to extensive media coverage. During jury selection, Vitolins dismissed several people because they had prior knowledge of the case or because they knew one of the people scheduled to testify against Gomez. Several people also voiced preconceived assumptions and accusations.

“I know he was in possession of a firearm he shouldn’t have been,” said one prospective juror on Monday before he was dismissed.

The day Gomez was apprehended, July 22, 2022, a man, allegedly Gomez, stole an AR-15-style rifle and ammunition out of a pickup truck at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Word spread of an active shooter as the man exited through a fence towards U.S. Highway 97, leading sheriff’s deputies on a foot chase away from the fairgrounds.

Gomez was ultimately subdued by officers outside of a fast food establishment along U.S. Highway 97, where authorities found the rifle on the ground. He faces five charges of attempted murder, nine charges of unlawful use of a weapon and one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and first-degree theft.

Before a mistrial was declared, several witnesses testified that Gomez attempted to shoot them with the rifle,, but failed because the weapon was jammed.

Now that a mistrial has been declared, new dates for a second trial must be set and a new jury selected. A time to re-set trial dates has not been scheduled, and it is unclear how much longer Gomez’s trial will be postponed.

The case against Gomez has already seen several delays. Originally, the trial was meant to begin in July 2023, but presiding Judge Annette Hillman postponed proceedings indefinitely due to illness. Gomez has also circulated through several attorneys, delaying proceedings even further; he is currently on his fourth set of representatives.

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