Jury deadlocks again in DeSoto murder trial

Olathe  For the second time in three months, a Johnson County jury was unable to reach a verdict in the trial of an Edwardsville man charged with murder in the slaying of a DeSoto woman.

Jury members deliberated for two hours Wednesday afternoon and 5 1/2 hours Thursday, only to deadlock on whether Jesse Guardado, 18, was guilty of first-degree murder. The charge stemmed from accusations that Guardado played a role in the death of Melanie Oliver, a 41-year-old DeSoto woman who was shot to death Sept. 4, 2001, as she slept in her home.

A jury in January was unable to reach a verdict at the conclusion of Guardado’s first hearing. He is scheduled for a third trial on May 20.

Also charged with first-degree murder in Oliver’s death is Alfredo Arambula, 18, Kansas City, Kan. He is expected to enter a plea in May after he testifies against Guardado and his brother, Juan Crutchfield, 22, DeSoto, who also is charged with first-degree murder in Oliver’s death.

Crutchfield’s preliminary hearing on the charge is scheduled Tuesday.

Health-care workers plan Baldwin wellness festival

Health-care professionals will inform Baldwin residents and Baker University students during a Community Wellness Festival on Saturday, April 6.

About 40 exhibitors are expected for the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Collins Center on Baker’s campus.

Free health screenings will be available for vision, blood pressure, bone density, body fat, hearing, heart rate, flexibility and lung volume.

The Lawrence Memorial Hospital lab will offer a total lipid profile with specific prostate tests for a lab fee. The festival is funded by a Douglas County Community Foundation grant and will include exhibitors specializing in areas such as cancer, dental care, sleep apnea, childhood lead prevention and physical therapy.

Kansas University sets final examination

Kansas University has announced the following final examination:

Amanda Jay, human development and family life, “The effects of a leadership-development program on the performance of upper-level sales managers in a Fortune 1000 company,” 10 a.m. April 10, 4070 Dole.

Cottonwood Inc. organizes Lunch Bunch facility tours

As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Cottonwood Inc. wants to familiarize the community with the services it offers to people with developmental disabilities.

To do so, the organization is offering Lunch Bunch tours the last Thursday of each month in 2002 at its building, 2801 W. 31st St.

The next tour will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. To make a reservation, call Tracie at 840-1604.

Participants should bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided.