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Juror in 'Take Care of Maya' Trial Cleared of Misconduct, $260 Million Verdict Stands
2024-01-08
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A juror in the closely-watched 'Take Care of Maya' trial, which recently awarded the Kowalski family $260 million against Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH), underwent questioning by Judge Hunter Carroll following allegations of misconduct by the hospital's defense team. After a thorough examination, the judge concluded that the juror did not violate any orders, and the $260 million verdict remains intact.
The controversy surrounding the trial stemmed from claims made by JHACH's attorneys, who accused the juror of engaging in improper conduct, including sharing case details with his wife. She was present at the trial and frequently posted her thoughts about the proceedings on social media. The hospital's lawyers argued that the juror's questions in court mirrored the content his wife shared online, suggesting that the couple was exchanging information, a breach of court rules.
However, during the questioning, the juror, identified as Paul Lengyel, refuted these allegations. When asked by Judge Carroll whether he had discussed the case with anyone, including his wife, Lengyel firmly responded, "No, I did not."
Additionally, the juror explained that his limited eyesight due to diabetes neuropathy prevented him from identifying individuals in the courtroom, including his wife. The judge, after considering the responses, determined that there was no evidence of juror misconduct.
The 'Take Care of Maya' trial revolved around allegations made by the Kowalski family against JHACH, claiming that the hospital's actions led to the suicide of family matriarch Beata Kowalski. The case arose from the court's order to shelter Maya Kowalski, the family's child, at JHACH while child abuse allegations were investigated. During this time, Maya was not allowed physical contact with her mother. Tragically, Beata Kowalski took her own life after 87 days without seeing her daughter.
The jury's verdict found JHACH guilty of falsely imprisoning Maya, fraudulent billing, causing severe emotional distress, and involving social worker Catherine Bedy in battering Maya, along with medical neglect by Dr. Sally Smith.
Attorneys for JHACH subsequently sought a new trial and filed multiple motions alleging juror misconduct and bias. Among the accusations were claims that the juror had lied on a jury questionnaire, had already formed an opinion before deliberations began, and used inappropriate symbols when taking notes about Dr. Sally Smith.
Judge Carroll acknowledged that while the defense had raised multiple concerns about the juror's conduct, there was insufficient evidence to warrant a new trial. The $260 million verdict, a significant victory for the Kowalski family, remains unchanged.
Attorneys for JHACH expressed their gratitude to the court for interviewing the jury foreman and reiterated their intention to pursue an appeal. They look forward to presenting their case to the Court of Appeals, indicating that this legal battle may continue.
In response, the Kowalski family's attorney, Greg Anderson, acknowledged the ongoing legal challenges but emphasized the finality of the jury's decision. He stated, "If the defense was given the ability, they would never have stopped digging. They would never stop peeling the onion with the juror, and that's just not the way the system operates."
The 'Take Care of Maya' trial, which garnered significant attention due to its high-stakes nature and emotional impact, has left a lasting legal and moral impact, with both sides continuing to advocate for their respective positions in the pursuit of justice.
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The controversy surrounding the trial stemmed from claims made by JHACH's attorneys, who accused the juror of engaging in improper conduct, including sharing case details with his wife. She was present at the trial and frequently posted her thoughts about the proceedings on social media. The hospital's lawyers argued that the juror's questions in court mirrored the content his wife shared online, suggesting that the couple was exchanging information, a breach of court rules.
However, during the questioning, the juror, identified as Paul Lengyel, refuted these allegations. When asked by Judge Carroll whether he had discussed the case with anyone, including his wife, Lengyel firmly responded, "No, I did not."
Additionally, the juror explained that his limited eyesight due to diabetes neuropathy prevented him from identifying individuals in the courtroom, including his wife. The judge, after considering the responses, determined that there was no evidence of juror misconduct.
The 'Take Care of Maya' trial revolved around allegations made by the Kowalski family against JHACH, claiming that the hospital's actions led to the suicide of family matriarch Beata Kowalski. The case arose from the court's order to shelter Maya Kowalski, the family's child, at JHACH while child abuse allegations were investigated. During this time, Maya was not allowed physical contact with her mother. Tragically, Beata Kowalski took her own life after 87 days without seeing her daughter.
The jury's verdict found JHACH guilty of falsely imprisoning Maya, fraudulent billing, causing severe emotional distress, and involving social worker Catherine Bedy in battering Maya, along with medical neglect by Dr. Sally Smith.
Attorneys for JHACH subsequently sought a new trial and filed multiple motions alleging juror misconduct and bias. Among the accusations were claims that the juror had lied on a jury questionnaire, had already formed an opinion before deliberations began, and used inappropriate symbols when taking notes about Dr. Sally Smith.
Judge Carroll acknowledged that while the defense had raised multiple concerns about the juror's conduct, there was insufficient evidence to warrant a new trial. The $260 million verdict, a significant victory for the Kowalski family, remains unchanged.
Attorneys for JHACH expressed their gratitude to the court for interviewing the jury foreman and reiterated their intention to pursue an appeal. They look forward to presenting their case to the Court of Appeals, indicating that this legal battle may continue.
In response, the Kowalski family's attorney, Greg Anderson, acknowledged the ongoing legal challenges but emphasized the finality of the jury's decision. He stated, "If the defense was given the ability, they would never have stopped digging. They would never stop peeling the onion with the juror, and that's just not the way the system operates."
The 'Take Care of Maya' trial, which garnered significant attention due to its high-stakes nature and emotional impact, has left a lasting legal and moral impact, with both sides continuing to advocate for their respective positions in the pursuit of justice.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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