Defendant's Family Plans Big Celebration Following Acquittal
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The family of Terrell Johnson has plans for a big celebration when he comes home after 18 years in prison.
His mother says wishes she could hug each of the jurors who found Johnson not guilty.
He was 19 when he was arrested and later convicted of shooting to death Verna Robinson.
Investigators say Robinson was about to testify against a Hazelwood gang.
But then a witness came forward to say that a key witness in the original case had lied.
Johnson's family says their faith got them through these last 18 years, and emotion poured out when they heard the jury's not guilty verdict at the retrial.
One of Johnson's eight children, James Cole, says this is a relief. He was 7 when his dad went to jail.
Johnson's mother says she'll have a cake and his favorite foods for him at a party they plan to throw when he's actually released.
His wife, Saundra Cole, spent Wednesday night with the phone next to her, hoping to get a call that would tell her exactly when and where her husband's time behind bars will come to an end.
Verna Robinson's mom left the courthouse without making a comment.
RELATED LINKS
Man Serving Life Sentence Acquitted In Hazelwood Murder
Jury To Resume Deliberations In '94 Hazelwood Murder
