Overview
- Spears was found not guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder in the killing of 16-year-old Deanta Dorsey and the wounding of four others.
- Before delivering the verdict, jurors asked why front-plaza camera footage was unavailable and examined shoes prosecutors said Spears wore.
- Prosecutors argued surveillance video tracked Spears before, during and after the shooting, while the defense said the images were unclear and the case circumstantial.
- Spears’ mother previously told police she recognized him in video but testified she could not identify him at trial, which the defense framed as evidence of coercion concerns.
- The decision follows a 2024 mistrial; co-defendant Bryan Johnson is being tried separately, and Dorsey’s family voiced disappointment through their attorney.