William Woodard during his trialDEKALB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
DeKalb County Judge Dan Coursey sent a juror home Monday after he learned that the juror violated a court rule during the trial of convicted cop killer William Woodard.
The juror spoke to District Attorney Robert James on Monday morning before the punishment phase began for Woodard, 31. Jurors are not allowed to have outside contact with any of the parties involved in their case.
The judge dismissed the juror, and an alternate juror took his place as the state began presenting its case in an effort to show that Woodard should be put to death.
Last week, the jury found Woodard guilty of murdering DeKalb County police officers Ricky Bryant and Eric Barker.
Also Monday, Woodard's mother caused concern when she videotaped prosecutors and witnesses outside the courtroom.
"This is something that I and my staff find intimidating because we wonder what purpose," James told the judge outside the presence of the jury. The mother left before the judge could speak with her.
The state is expected to finish presenting its case on Tuesday with statements from the officers' families.
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