Michaela Lumpert, Campus Carrier Deputy News Editor

On Friday night, Ricket Damon Carter III and Troy Jamal Cokley were found not guilty in the murder of Berry student Joseph McDaniel. Both were found not guilty on charges of murder and robbery.

The trial began on Oct. 1, with both attorneys beginning their questioning of Carter and Cokley. On Oct. 4, Lt. Dan Pendley was questioned on the layout of the apartment where McDaniel was shot, the guns involved in the case and text messages that were found on McDaniel’s phone.

Andrew David Horton, McDaniel’s roommate at the time, was also questioned last week. He testified that he was present when Cokley and McDaniel began to fight over a drug-related issue. Horton said he ran into the room with a gun drawn, heard a muffled bang, and then ran next door to an unidentified female Berry student’s apartment. He is still facing charges associated with possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence.

The verdict was reached late Friday night after an hour and 15 minutes of deliberation.