The jury that convicted Hunter Biden on three felony gun charges consisted of six men and six women who prioritized reviewing the evidence thoroughly and avoided rushing to judgment, according to an anonymous juror interviewed by CBS News.
The jurors emphasized that their decision was not influenced by politics, and the president was not discussed during their deliberations. The jury’s deliberation lasted about three hours after receiving the case, initially resulting in a 6-6 split vote. This reflects the jurors’ initial uncertainty and their commitment to carefully evaluating the evidence before reaching a unanimous decision.
Initially, some jurors, including the anonymous juror No. 10, were undecided on Hunter Biden’s guilt. They felt it was crucial to meticulously examine the evidence rather than hastily convicting him. This careful consideration eventually led them to agree unanimously that Hunter Biden was guilty of all counts.
The key evidence involved a form Hunter Biden filled out to purchase a gun, where he falsely declared that he was not an unlawful user of controlled substances. The jurors concluded that he was not “clean” from drugs at the time of the purchase, which solidified their decision.
Juror No. 10 detailed the pivotal role of the form Hunter Biden filled out and his admission of addiction. The juror emphasized that Hunter Biden was aware of his drug use when he falsely declared on the form that he was not an addict.
The juror pointed out that this false declaration was a critical piece of evidence leading to the guilty verdict. This decision was further supported by Hunter Biden’s own admissions in his book, “Beautiful Things,” where he openly discussed his struggles with addiction, which did not help his defense in the courtroom.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was described as solemn as the jury announced their verdict. There was a brief period between reaching the verdict and its announcement, during which First Lady Jill Biden did not make it back to the courtroom in time.
The juror expressed empathy for Hunter Biden’s family during this difficult moment. President Biden, who had remained distant from the trial, adjusted his schedule to be with his son in Wilmington and stated his acceptance of the jury’s decision while expressing his love for Hunter.
Hunter Biden faces the possibility of up to 25 years in prison, though the sentencing will be determined by the judge and has yet to be scheduled.
The anonymous juror conveyed a sense of compassion, suggesting that Hunter Biden needs more help than incarceration, implying that jail time may not be the best solution for someone struggling with addiction. This sentiment underscores the complex nature of the case and the personal challenges faced by Hunter Biden.