Netflix Documentary-Inspired Florida Court Case Faces Retrial Amid Juror Misconduct Allegations”
In a recent turn of events, the Florida court case spotlighted in the Netflix documentary ‘Take Care of Maya’ has taken a new twist as defendants seek a retrial. Two weeks ago, a staggering $261 million in damages was awarded against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, implicating the medical team in the alleged false imprisonment and battery of 10-year-old Maya Kowalski, ultimately contributing to her mother Beata Kowalski’s tragic death by suicide.
Court documents revealed the defendants’ move to file for a retrial on Wednesday, citing a breach of conduct rules by the jury foreman. The documentary, which gained significant traction with nearly 14 million views within two weeks of its June release, brought attention to the controversial case.
Attorneys for All Children’s Hospital claimed that juror Paul Lengyel violated strict rules by sharing case information with his wife, Yolanda Lengyel, during the trial. Yolanda Lengyel, who attended at least one day of the trial in Venice, allegedly shared the information on social media platforms, violating the confidentiality of attorney discussions with the judge held outside the jury’s presence.
During the trial, Yolanda Lengyel was accused of frequently posting YouTube feeds, participating in a supportive Facebook chat group for the Kowalski family, and disclosing details such as her husband’s intended questions for witnesses and the contents of a juror note during deliberations. The motion for a retrial not only points to the breach of conduct but also calls for an investigation into Lengyel to uncover any other potential misconduct.
Nick Whitney, one of the attorneys representing the Kowalski family, announced that they would be filing a response by Monday at 4 p.m., withholding further comments on the ongoing developments.
Netflix Documentary ‘Take Care Of Maya’ Defendants Ask For Retrial Because Of Alleged Juror Misconduct https://t.co/dWxkTR9GlE
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) November 25, 2023