First Verdict in Timoshenko Murder Trial: Not Guilty

Robert Ellis, pictured, one of three suspects accused of murder in the shooting death of Officer Russel Timoshenko has been acquitted of murder charges. He was also acquitted of attempted murder for the non-fatal shooting of Officer Herman Yan.

Ellis' attorneys argued that he couldn't have been one of the shooters because he was the driver of the car. This is the same defense used by codefendant Lee Woods, who is still waiting for his verdict, along with third defendant Dexter Bostic. The three defendants were tried simultaneously, but to different juries.

Ellis was convicted of three counts of weapons possession. Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years; the aggravated murder charge carried a maximum penalty of life without parole.