Seven years later, Wilmington man found not guilty of first-degree murder
A Wilmington man was found not guilty of first-degree murder after a week-long trial in New Hanover County last week.
Antonio Beatty was arrested in September 2015 and charged with first-degree murder in connection with July 21, 2015, shooting death of 25-year-old Carlton Whitley.
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Whitley was shot and killed in a parking lot near the corner of Darlington and Metting roads after walking outside the apartment he shared with his girlfriend and newborn daughter.
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According to the New Hanover County District Attorney's Office, Beatty's trial began Monday, Aug. 8 — seven years after the shooting. Evidence was presented and jury deliberations began Thursday.
A New Hanover County jury deliberated for four hours before returning the not-guilty verdict, according to the district attorney's office.
Ben David, district attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties, said while he and his prosecutors are disappointed, they respect the verdict.
"When 12 people listen to all the evidence and get the law and apply the facts to the law, that's what justice looks like," David said.
David said Whitley's family attended the trial and the district attorney's office is continuing to support them following the verdict.
"We understand why they would be very disappointed and we share in that disappointment," David said.
Beatty remained in custody for seven years awaiting his trial. David said the delay was largely caused by Beatty terminating several attorneys and pandemic-related concerns.
David said there are currently 62 homicide cases pending in New Hanover County.
The district attorney's office does not plan to reopen the investigation and explore whether anyone else was involved, however David saidthey remain convinced of Beatty's guilt.
Beatty has been released from custody.
Jamey Cross is the public safety reporter at the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington man found not guilty of murder, seven years later
