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Bellamy found not guilty
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Published: October 27, 2009
Defense attorney Robert Trobich said he feared the worst when the jury announced it had reached a verdict in less than two hours.
"I've never had a jury come back that quick in a murder trial," Trobich said.
His worries were unfounded as the eight-man, four-woman jury came back with a not guilty verdict for his client, Al Antonio Bellamy.
Bellamy will not get to go free, however, as he is serving a 33-year sentence in federal prison for a previous drug conspiracy conviction.
Bellamy was charged with the Oct,. 31, 2004, shooting death of Jimmy Matreece Walker of Charlotte.
Walker was found shot to death in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy on Turnersburg Road.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Parker contended Bellamy shot Walker in retaliation for Walker's participation in the robbery of Kenny Oakley about 15 minutes prior.
In his closing argument, Trobich told the jury there was nothing to tie Bellamy to the murder except the testimony of five people, who received breaks in prison terms, and the phone call Oakley's roommate made to Bellamy just after the robbery.
The jury began deliberating around 9:34 a.m. Monday and returned around 10:20 a.m. with a request to see some of the evidence.
At 11:15 a.m., the jury signaled it had reached a unanimous verdict .
"I was nervous," Trobich said after the verdict was read. "When they came back that quick, I was worried."
As the verdict was announced, Bellamy smiled and pointed to the ceiling.
Bellamy's aunt, Emily Ramseur, said the family was relieved by the verdict, one she believes was proper.
"We know he didn't do it," she said.
Ramseur said her nephew is trying to make the best of his time in prison.
"He ministers to people in jail." she said.
The verdict wrapped up a trial that began on Oct. 13.
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