74-year-old Man Acquitted in Death of Philadelphia Police Officer

William Barnes who was on trial for the death of Officer Walter Barclay, who had died 41 years after being shot by Barnes, has been found “not guilty.”

Last Friday the jury comprised of nine women and three men began deliberation after a week long trial in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The jury returned today with the verdict which prompted an emotional “Yes!” by Diane Barnes, the defendant’s niece.

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams issued a statement after the verdict saying, “The bullet may not have immediately killed him, but it definitely took away his life. This was a healthy, vibrant young man only 23 years old, who was suddenly confined to a wheelchair and later died of that injury because of William Barnes cowardly act.” Williams goes on in his statement to commend two Assistant District Attorneys, Edward Cameron and Bridget Kirn, by saying they, “worked hard on this case and both have my utmost respect. This was a difficult case to prosecute both technically and emotionally, and they both did a terrific job.”