Judge orders hearing on racial bias charge among jurors BARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) - A judge has ordered a hearing into charges of racial bias among jurors who convicted a black trash collector of murdering Cape fashion writer Christa Worthington. Shortly after Christopher McCowen was convicted last fall in the 2002 murder, his attorney Robert George filed a motion with Judge Gary Nickerson seeking the hearing as part of his bid for a new trial. George presented affidavits from three jurors who alleged that other jurors made racially biased comments during deliberations. Among their claims: a white female juror said she was afraid of McCowen, referring to him as ’the big black guy," and a black male juror said he didn't like other blacks and said, ’Look at what they are capable of." In his order, Nickerson said the motion ’presents grave issues which require careful, methodical attention from this jurist. ... The defendant has demonstrated the need for an evidentiary hearing with regard to the claims of racial bias." Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe said he hadn't read the order and declined comment to the Cape Cod Times. In court filings, prosecutors said the alleged comments may have been insensitive, but did not show racial bias and do not warrant a new trial. George told the Times that he was ’excited and pleased that the court will conduct a hearing which delves into what happened in that jury room," A hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

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