Mistrial in case of man accused of issuing threats

A Palm Beach County jury could not reach a unanimous verdict Thursday in the attempted murder trial of a man who allegedly told his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend that he was a member of ISIS before shooting into the house of the woman’s neighbor.

Circuit Judge Charles Burton declared a mistrial in Amgad Salah ElMahdi’s case after jurors announced they could not reach a unanimous verdict at the end of a twoday trial.

ElMahdi, 36, of West Palm Beach, is accused of driving up to the neighbor’s house in the 2400 block of Chickamauga Avenue on Nov. 28, 2014, and firing several shots at Mario Reyes after allegedly telling him “I have something for you.”

Reyes said he recognized ElMahdi because the man used to date his neighbor.

ElMahdi’s attorney, Brian Balaguera, said Friday that even though the jury didn’t acquit hi s client , he was pleased with the fact that at least one juror felt prosecutors failed to prove their case. Balaguera attacked the witness identification.

“Mr. ElMahdi is innocent and is looking forward to his next day in court,” Balaguera said.

No new trial date had been set as of Friday.

The next hearing is set for Jan. 30.

In a separate case, prosecutors allege ElMahdi showed up at a Walgreens three days before the alleged shooting, where ElMahdi’s ex-girlfriend and the new boyfriend were shopping.

ElMahdi told the two he was a member of the ISIS terrorist group and was going t o k i l l e v e r y o n e , p o l i c e reported.