Ephraim was charged with the murder of Benjamin Venters, but at the conclusion of the trial the jury announced that they believed themselves unable to reach a verdict regardless of long they deliberated. Several jurors also asked to be discharged on the grounds of illness. The court discharged the jury and remanded Ephraim in jail to await a new trial in the next term before a new jury. This bill was an application for Ephraim's discharge from jail. The Supreme Court remanded the case for a new trial. Chief Justice Ruffin for the Supreme Court discussed the law relating to the discharge of juries, ruled that Ephraim could not be tried again on the same charge, and ordered his acquittal after his master had paid such costs as he was liable for.
