COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A judge has cleared a man accused of killing his wife in their Columbia apartment on Mother's Day in 2006.
The State newspaper reported Monday that Circuit Judge Thomas Cooper deliberated about three hours before finding Justin Mallory not guilty in the death of 24-year-old Nekia Mallory.
A jury had been unable to reach a verdict in the case in July 2007. Cooper heard the case last week without a jury.
Defense attorney Jerry Finney says Justin Mallory feels a cloud of suspicion has been lifted.
Prosecutor John Meadors says the woman's family is very disappointed with the verdict.
Justin Mallory had been accused of stabbing his wife in the neck and hitting her on the head at least five times as their two children slept in another room.
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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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