I did not follow all of the trial, and the information I did get was mostly from pro-defense sources. So while it seems to me that the right ruling would be not guilty, I cannot say with certainty that is the case.
Anyone who is willing to approach this with an open mind should be able to acknowledge that he is guilty as sin. That is the cold hard truth, no matter your political affiliation or opinion on subsequent protests/riots/politics. This is one of those rare open and shut cases that can be decided based purely on one piece evidence.
We all nearly vomited from watching the video, and should be happy that the justice system did the right thing here. The fact that such a large segment of the population is willing to defend this murder and murderer simply because they’re fed up with a wholly disparate political organization and movement is troubling.
I barely followed the trial. I didn’t need to.
Having said that, I think it is extremely unlikely that they come back with an acquittal on all charges. The would have to have been living under a rock this past year to not know the rioting that would follow. They also are almost certainly worried that their names will be leaked if they come back with a not guilty verdict and they know how the mob will react.
The scary part is that everyone understands that they will be taking the above into account, instead of focusing exclusively on the evidence presented in court. Basically we are living in a system of mob "justice."
This was somewhat predicted a long time ago
Unfortunately I doubt anybody there will dare exonerate him. (Not saying he should be, but he does deserve a fair trial).