Friday afternoon a jury found Bill Marquardt not guilty. He is the 30-year-old man who was charged in the killing of his mother, Mary Jane Marquardt, more than six years ago in Chippewa County. After three hours the jury finished up this five day trial with its verdict. The man who took the stand in his own defense just yesterday got to express his relief after being aquitted of first degree homicide. Marquardt's attorney told us his family has been behind him since his mother was murdered. The defense attorney says he thinks the one thing that convinced the jury is that a firearm and ammunition was found days after investigators searched a tiny cabin where the defendent was staying. The defense argued it had to be planted by someone else. Marquardt's attorney, however, couldn't comment on who he thinks killed Mary Jane Marquardt, Just that his client is happy he won't be accused of killing his mom anymore.
John Brinckman, the defense attorney says, "there was a lot of circumstancial evidence that pointed to someone else." Jon Theisen, the Chippewa County District Attorney says he was disappointed in the verdict, but has no regrets. He said, "everything was done to prepare for the case. The case was proven. The jury made its decision and we have to respect that choice." Even though he was found not guilty, Marquardt will not be going home right now. His defense attorney tells TV 13 he is still in custody on mistreatment of animal charges.