By Kathryn Reed

Jurors in the Ulysses Roberson murder trial retired midday Thursday and are expected to resume deliberations Monday.

The 12-member panel had a little drama this week when juror Katie Ross was dismissed without reason given. Replacing her is Chris Cefalu. Six alternate jurors have been part of the process since the trial started in early October.

El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Kingsbury is presiding.

Closing arguments wrapped up Tuesday morning, with the jury getting the case that afternoon. Jurors can set their own schedule for deliberations, thus the reason for having today off.

Roberson is accused of killing his 4-year-old son at a house in the Tahoe Keys in South Lake Tahoe in late 1985 or early 1986. Alexander Olive’s body has never been found.

Throughout the trial Roberson has been draped in Muslim garb, with a skull cap and flowing robe-like garment. He faces two enhancements to the murder charge — that the crime was racially motivated and one of torture.

The boy’s mother, Judy Olive, is white. She has been in court most days and was one of the nearly 60 witnesses to take the stand.

If convicted, Roberson faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.