Michael Jack’s mother raised her hands into the air as her son stepped out of the defendants’ box and into her arms Monday after a unanimous nine-member jury found him not guilty of murder.
“You are hereby discharged,” said High Court Justice Albert Redhead.
Mr. Jack was also acquitted of manslaughter.
He had been accused of murdering his half-brother, Tishawn Henley, after the two were in an altercation that led to Mr. Henley’s death from a stab wound last November.
Before the decision was handed down, Mr. Redhead instructed the jury on the issue of self-defence, which was at the heart of the defence’s case.
“Consider whether or not he honestly believed he needed to defend himself,” the judge said. “Not whether or not he needed to — it’s what he genuinely believed at the time.”
Several family members in the courtroom began to cheer after the jury delivered its verdict.
“No, please: no clapping in the court,” Mr. Redhead said.
See the July 25, 2013 edition for full coverage.