Mistrial Declared in Washington County Murder Case

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Washington County judge has declared a mistrial in the case of Derek Politte, who had been accused of killing 28-year-old Christian Hildebrandt in 2021.

Jurors deliberated for several hours but remained deadlocked, twice informing the court they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Following the second notice, Politte’s attorneys requested a mistrial. Prosecutors argued deliberations should continue, but the judge ultimately decided to end the proceedings.

Hildebrandt was found dead in a wooded area in Fletcher on March 11, 2021, with a fatal stab wound to his neck.

Both sides are scheduled to return to court on December 3 to determine whether the case will move forward to a retrial.