NEW YORK CITY ? For the second time in as many trials, a federal jury could not reach a verdict on racketeering charges against John A. Gotti, the son of the late Gambino crime family boss. A mistrial was declared Friday, and the man called “Junior” headed for home on Long Island.

The jury deadlock was not a surprise. Since deliberations began in earnest Wednesday, the panel had indicated to U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin that it was split on the crux of Gotti’s defense – that he had withdrawn from mob life.

On Friday, the jury declared an impasse with a note that read in part: “We are completely DEADLOCKED. More time will not change the views in this room. … P.S. We want to leave ASAP.”

Scheindlin accepted the outcome and met with the jurors in a small room off the main courtroom. Laughter was heard through the door.

Gotti seemed resigned to another trial on charges he was part of the Gambino crime family and was involved in racketeering acts that included the abduction and wounding of Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa in 1992.