1st day ends with no verdict in Michigan Gov. Whitmer plot

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Jurors have gone home without a verdict after the first day of deliberations in the trial of four men accused of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker told jurors to “find a good distraction,” maybe the NCAA men's basketball championship, and return Tuesday "ready to engage, fresh."

Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with a kidnapping conspiracy. Three men also face additional charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, namely an explosive.

The jury in Grand Rapids, Michigan, asked the judge for a definition of “weapon” at mid-afternoon Monday, but otherwise gave no indication of the progress of deliberations.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A jury in Michigan started its deliberations Monday in the trial of four men accused of designing a plan to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

There was no verdict by mid-afternoon, though the jury returned to the courtroom to request a definition of “weapon.”

“Something that can be used to injure, kill or destroy someone or something,” U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said after consulting with prosecutors and defense lawyers. “So if that helps — I hope — great. If it doesn’t, just let us know.”

Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with a kidnapping conspiracy. Three also face additional charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, namely an explosive.

The jury started fresh Monday, following instructions from the judge and hours of closing arguments Friday, which was the 15th day of trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jonker last week...