Angel Downs Update: Mistrial for Stephen Nodine on Murder Charge

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (CBS/WKRG/AP) A judge has declared a mistrial in the trial of former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine for murder and stalking in the death of his mistress Angel Downs.

PICTURES: Angel Downs Dead; Stephen Nodine Charged

CBS affiliate WKRG reported that jurors did find Nodine guilty of a misdemeanor ethics charge of using his government-issued pickup truck for personal purposes.

The jury of nine women and three men told the judge they were "hopelessly deadlocked" on the murder and stalking charges.

The 45-year-old Downs died from a single gunshot to the head outside her home on May 9. Nodine's defense argued that Downs committed suicide.

 Prosecutors will have to decide if they will try Nodine again on the murder and stalking charges.

Nodine is to be sentenced Feb. 16 on the ethics charge. He faces up to one year in county jail.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ANGEL DOWNS ON CRIMESIDER