SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco jury has acquitted Irie Benson, 48, of attempted murder after finding that he fired a gun in self-defense to protect himself and his elderly uncle from a knife-wielding stranger, deliberating for less than two hours before returning its verdict.
Prosecutors had also charged Benson with personal use of a firearm and repeatedly sought to keep him jailed, a decision that cost him his job and deprived him of the chance to say goodbye to his uncle, who died while Benson was incarcerated.
Benson is a father and the primary caregiver for his wife and mother, both of whom are battling serious illnesses. He was unable to support his family during the 15 months he spent in jail following his arrest in November 2024 until his full acquittal on Jan. 13, 2026…