Eric Buzbee "Not Guilty"

For the first time in nearly two years, and after two previous mistrials, Eric Buzbee is a free man. Walking without a police escort and without handcuffs, Buzbee hugged family and friends outside the Baldwin County Corrections Center moments after his release Friday afternoon. About an hour earlier, a jury found Buzbee not guilty of capital murder in the death of former Spanish Fort gas station owner Bobby Wilson. Buzbee cried and wept openly when the verdict was read.

"We're glad this is over, Eric is going home where he should've been two years ago," says Buzbee's attorney John Beck. "We're excited and we're exhausted."

Prosecutors were stunned at the defeat. Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb says the case is closed, but still believes Buzbee killed Wilson.

"We're not re-opening the investigation," says Newcomb. "We have no evidence to indicate anybody else is involved but him."

The Wilson family was upset when they left the courthouse and would not talk to reporters about the verdict. Beck says Buzbee will enjoy some home-cooked meals and will do a little fishing this weekend.