Peterson deliberation continues, jurors make strange request - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

The jury deliberated for a second day in the Drew Peterson murder trial, and asked a strange question of the judge after lunch Thursday.

"Just to be clear judge what does unanimous mean?" the jury asked Judge Edward Burmila.

Oftentimes when a jury asks a question like this, it signals there are holdout jurors that do not agree with the majority, and a hung jury usually follows. But the Peterson jury has not made any indication that this is the case in their deliberation.

The judge sent a note back to the jury, offering up the word's common definition: Of one mind; in complete agreement; agreed.

"The word unanimous has it‘s common meaning," the note read, "and indicates the agreement of all in the matter at hand. Your verdict must be unanimous and signed by all."

The Will County jury reconvened Thursday after failing to reach a verdict during more than eight hours of deliberations Wednesday.

Peterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2004. The former Illinois police officer was charged after his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, disappeared in 2007.

Jurors on Wednesday asked to review evidence including transcripts of hearsay testimony given by witnesses. That could mean they're grappling with statements the two wives allegedly made to others implicating Peterson.

Hearsay is often barred at trials. But Illinois adopted legislation allowing it in these circumstances, and legal observers are watching how it plays out at Peterson's trial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.