Jury in R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago ends first day of deliberations with no verdict

CHICAGO — Jurors in R. Kelly’s Chicago federal trial were excused Tuesday evening after deliberating fewer than four hours without reaching a verdict, and are expected to return Wednesday morning to continue their discussions.

The panel began deliberating about 1 p.m. Tuesday after more than eight hours of closing arguments over two days.

Kelly, 55, faces an indictment charging him with 13 counts of producing and receiving child pornography, enticing minors to engage in criminal sexual activity, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Also charged are former Kelly associates Derrel McDavid and Milton “June” Brown, who are accused in an alleged scheme to buy back incriminating sex tapes that had been taken from Kelly’s collection and to hide years of alleged sexual abuse of underage girls.

Before deliberations began, Kelly’s attorney urged the jury in her closing argument Tuesday to put aside any preconceived notions they may have about the singer and see “the humanity” in him when deliberating charges of child pornography and obstruction of justice.

Jennifer Bonjean began her final presentation to the jury by