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Jury Deadlocks in Execution-Style Killings Case

Tuesday, Jun 23, 2009 | Updated 7:40 AM PDT

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A jury has deadlocked in the case of an Alpine man charged with murdering two people during a liquor store robbery in March 2006.

The El Cajon Superior Court jury was unable to reach a verdict, and the judge declared a mistrial Monday. Jurors said they were leaning 11-1 in favor of convicting Anthony Miller, 23.

Miller is accused of participating in a liquor store robbery in which co-owner Heather Mattia and store employee Firas Eiso were shot in the head execution-style.

Co-defendant Jean Pierre Rices pleaded guilty to murder and has admitted shooting the pair. A separate jury is considering whether to recommend the death penalty.

Miller's defense attorney said a new trial date is set for September.