Jurors fail to reach verdict in 2023 shooting death

A jury this week failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a man accused of participating in a botched robbery that led to the 2023 shooting death of a woman at her West Side home in front of her 10-year-old daughter.

Judge Matthew Chavez declared a mistrial in the trial of Austin Wilkins, 29, after the 2nd Judicial District Court jury deadlocked Thursday on charges of first-degree murder, attempted robbery and other charges.

Prosecutors say they plan to retry Wilkins in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Brandy McManus, who was shot through the door of her home after refusing to allow entry to two men wearing masks.

Jurors split with seven voting guilty, one not guilty and four undecided, said Nancy Laflin, spokeswoman for the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office. Jurors deliberated just over five hours Thursday.

Prosecutors acknowledged that Wilkins did not fire the gunshot that killed McManus. Instead, they alleged that Wilkins was at the gunman's side at the time of the Nov. 20, 2023, killing.

The eight-day trial featured testimony by two of Wilkins' co-defendants.

Joseph Montoya, 33, pleaded guilty in July to second-degree murder, attempted robbery and other charges in McManus' death, court records show. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5.

Prosecutor say Montoya fired the fatal shot during an attempted robbery at McManus' home in the 6000 block of Canis NW.

Wilkins' attorney, John McCall, told jurors last week that Wilkins was not present at the woman's home at the time of the fatal shooting and had no part in the botched robbery.

The second co-defendant, Kristopher Darling, 25, is charged with first-degree murder and other charges in McManus' killing. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 6.

Prosecutors said Darling drove Wilkins and Montoya to the scene and remained in the car at the time McManus was killed.