Having served on several military court martial panels my instinct says Ingmar’s jury rendered the verdict they believed to be correct—that is it was based on the evidence presented.
People tend to take very seriously finding someone guilty of a capital crime. Moreover, the jury selection process tends to favor the defense.
That said, it does not mean Condit was not complicit in the murder. And it in no way absolves him of taking advantage of his position to seduce a young women that was never going to be his wife. Condit was and is a first class dirt bag.
“That said, it does not mean Condit was not complicit in the murder.”
Condit was thoroughly investigated. After some initial reluctance, he fully cooperated with law enforcement. No evidence has ever linked Condit to her disappearance or murder. The mistaken focus on Condit may have contributed to the delay in apprehending the real murderer.
Chandra was a willing partner in the affair. She knew he was married. I believe that she was 24 at the time of the affair so she was not just fresh out of high school. I do not approve of the affair but thousands of Americans have affairs every year. Condit was a serial philander. Chandra was not his only affair during the time.
An affair is not a crime. He did not deserve accusations of murder. He was unlucky in that suspicion would naturally fall on him. Sometimes life is not fair. Affairs can lead to associated fallouts in life.