After two trials, a verdict has finally been declared in the 2003 murder of Wayne Hutchinson of Hawthorne.
The jury started deliberations a little before 2 PM this afternoon. Needing more convincing, they came back to hear key witness Terrence Gillins' testimony one more time.
Not long after that, the jury found the two suspects not guilty.
It was a long ordeal for everyone involved in this trial and there were strong emotions as the verdict was read.
Eddie Gillins Jr. stood up thanking God and William Bascomb let out a big sigh of relief.
The newly freed men celebrated with their families right before leaving the courthouse. With tears, hugs and relief that they are completely cleared.
Both Bascomb and Gillins expressed condolences that the Hutchinson family is still waiting for justice, but were ready to go home and put the trial behind them.
The victim's brother, Barry Hutchinson, spoke to TV20 off-camera right after the verdict was read and said his family is doing okay.