Seattle Times
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett police Officer Troy Meade was found not guilty Monday of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a drunken man in a car last summer.
A six-man, six-woman Snohomish County jury had deliberated for roughly five hours since Friday before reaching its decision.
Meade didn’t react when the first “not guilty” verdict was announced, on the second-degree-murder charge. Only after he heard the second “not guilty” verdict, on the manslaughter charge, did he show obvious relief.
Everett Police Chief Jim Scharf was among the first to congratulate Meade, leaning in close for a whispered conversation with his officer.
After the verdict, Meade said he appreciated the support he received from friends, family and fellow officers. About 100 people packed the courtroom to hear the verdict, many Meade supporters who had sat through much of the two-week trial.
“The support has been wonderful,” Meade said moments later. “I’m going back to work.”
Read full story: Jury acquits Everett officer charged with murder