When they charged Howell in 2006, prosecutors and detectives felt they had a strong case, based on evidence they had gathered and witness statements. One person picked Howell out of a police lineup, saying he had thrown Brewer’s burned purse in a dumpster. Other witnesses told police they heard confessions about the crime. One woman told detectives Howell had threatened her with a shotgun and said, "I'll do you like I did Tabby." According to court documents, the motive was money. Brewer had been awarded a $40,000 settlement from a car accident shortly before she disappeared. Police said she was unable to access the money because they were in a trust fund. Despite the case prosecutors built against Howell, the jury shocked the victims’ family members by finding not guilty of both murder counts.
I would bet it was a black majority jury...even if only a couple, they could prevent the conviction...