BOSTON (AP) — A jury on Tuesday found an Alabama man not guilty of killing an 11-year New Hampshire girl more than 35 years ago.
A factor in the case was whether the jury believed DNA found under Melissa Ann Tremblay’s fingernails was from Marvin “Skip” McClendon Jr. After telling a judge Monday they were deadlocked, the jury returned Tuesday and found McClendon not guilty on the sixth day of deliberations.
“Mr. McClendon was greatly relieved by the verdict,” McClendon’s lawyer, Henry Fasoldt, told The Associated Press, adding that he would return home to Alabama after being held for two-and-a-half years. “We appreciate the jury’s careful and thoughtful deliberations.”
Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said he “disappointed with the verdict” but praised the efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement officers in the case.
“I recognize the work and dedication of the jury during their long deliberations in this case,” Tucker said. “My thoughts are with the family of Melissa Ann Tremblay, who have suffered greatly due to the crime that took her life.”