Jury finds Alabama man not guilty of murdering 11-year-old girl in 1988

BOSTON (AP) — A jury on Tuesday found an Alabama man not guilty of killing an 11-year New Hampshire girl more than 35 years ago.

A factor in the case was whether the jury believed DNA found under Melissa Ann Tremblay’s fingernails was from Marvin “Skip” McClendon Jr. After telling a judge Monday they were deadlocked, the jury returned Tuesday and found McClendon not guilty on the sixth day of deliberations.

“Mr. McClendon was greatly relieved by the verdict,” McClendon’s lawyer, Henry Fasoldt, told The Associated Press, adding that he would return home to Alabama after being held for two-and-a-half years. "We appreciate the jury’s careful and thoughtful deliberations."

Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said he “disappointed with the verdict” but praised the efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement officers in the case.