Judge Declares Mistrial in Ford Case

A contentious, three-week battle over claims that a faulty Ford Motor Co. pickup truck roof was to blame for the death of a South Georgia farm couple has ended in a mistrial.

Gwinnett County State Court Judge Shawn Bratton declared the mistrial Friday morning after lawyers on both sides said their case had been damaged beyond repair.

“I have determined that in the interest of justice, this case can no longer proceed,” Bratton told the jury. He thanked the jurors for their “long and tireless” service. “Three weeks is a lot to ask of you,” he said.