Posted on 06/29/2007 9:51:40 AM PDT by ZGuy
Images: Courtroom Reaction
Video: Webb Reacts To Verdict
Then-Deputy Ivory J. Webb, 46, was charged with attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm. He was found not guilty on all charges.
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He faced more than 18 years in prison if convicted. The verdict was returned in San Bernardino County Superior Court after a jury deliberated several hours.
"I'm ecstatic," Webb said. "I thank God first and foremost. I also want to thank the jurors."
Prosecutor R. Lewis Cope said he was disappointed, but nonetheless praised jurors who deliberated for several hours before reaching a verdict.
"I believe the evidence that was presented was sound and at all times we were very confident in this case, but the jury has decided and we respect that decision," he said.
Carrion, who has been on light duty at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, could not be reached for comment. A call to his attorney, Luis A. Carrillo, was not immediately returned.
Carrion, an Iraq war veteran home on leave, was a passenger in a Corvette that was chased Jan. 29 last year by Webb at 100 mph before crashing into a wall in Chino, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles.
On the grainy, 40-second video clip shot in darkness by an area resident, Carrion can be heard swearing at Webb before the deputy tells him, "Get up! Get up!" Webb, who is shouting expletives himself, then shoots Carrion in the chest, left leg and left shoulder as the victim appears to be obeying the order.
Carrion was hospitalized for several days.
Prosecutors said Carrion did not pose a threat to Webb, who they characterized as angry and not in control of the situation.
Defense attorneys said Carrion's hand was near his chest moments before he was shot -- giving the former deputy the impression the airman was reaching for a weapon.
Carrion testified during the trial he and the driver, Luis Escobedo, had been drinking at a barbecue in his honor after a six-month tour in Iraq.
Webb did not take the stand during the four-week trial. Three witnesses testified for the defense, including a tactics expert who said the shooting was justified and an alcohol expert who testified about the victim's intoxication level.
Unbelieveable!
PING
Disgusting. That POS should be rotting in jail.
Laws are for peasants, not for Lords.
Well it is the west coast, have a drink of orange juice are do they call it OJ !
It is wise to not give cops a reason to draw their firearms. Webb learned that the hard way.
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