Jury Gets Todd Bridges’ Attempted Murder Case

Jury deliberations began Friday in the trial of actor Todd Bridges, charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a convicted drug dealer inside a cocaine rock house in February.

The jury began its deliberations after hearing final arguments by the prosecution and defense and receiving instructions from Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Florence Marie-Cooper.

Deputy Dist. Atty. William Hodgman urged jurors to convict Bridges, 24, the former child star of such television sitcoms as “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Fish,” of attempted murder.

But defense attorney Johnnie Cochran argued that Bridges was so intoxicated with cocaine at the time of the incident that even if he did shoot the victim, he could not have intended to kill him. Therefore, Cochran argued, Bridges should not be convicted.

Bridges, who has been in custody since his arrest, allegedly shot convicted Texas drug dealer Kenneth (Tex) Clay eight times Feb. 2 inside a South-Central Los Angeles rock house after the two argued loudly.

Bridges testified that he does not remember shooting Clay.