Jury reaches verdict in Olney shooting

OLNEY, Ill. (WTHI) - A Texas man accused in a fatal shooting in Olney, Ill. was found not guilty of the murder charge against him Wednesday.

Brandon Jenkins, 35, was first arrested in November 2011 after authorities said he fired shots during a fight with at least two other men outside the Super 8 Motel in Olney.

At the time, police said one of those shots hit Michael Scott Earp, 23, who later died at an area hospital. Police believed another man, Christopher Arteberry, was also hit, but they said Arteberry refused medical attention.

Jenkins’ supporters maintain he acted in self-defense.

Jenkins’ trial, which lasted six days, ended Wednesday. According to court documents, the jury in the case deliberated for about three hours before returning with a verdict.

The jury found Jenkins not guilty of murder, and they also found that the state had not proven several other gun-related charges against Jenkins. The jury did find Jenkins guilty of reckless conduct.

The judge in the case ruled that Jenkins could post $2,500 of a $25,000 bond. He also ordered Jenkins to turn over his passport, to report by phone to the county probation office and to avoid contact with any witnesses in the case or others named in the indictment.