The jury delivered their verdict after the five-day-long trial. Prince George's County Police Corporal Reginald Baker was found "not guilty" of second degree assault. He bowed in tears as one of his lawyers put his arm around him.
The jury foreman announced a different result for the second officer. Corporal James Harrison was found "guilty" of second degree assault, but "not guilty" of misconduct in office.
During their deliberations the jury twice asked to review the video of the clash in College Park between police and students the night Maryland beat Duke in basketball on March 3, 2010.
The jury decided that Corporal Baker, who was the first officer to hit student James McKenna was justified, because McKenna approached police horses after being ordered to stop. But Corporal Harrison, who joined in hitting McKenna with a baton, used excessive force because the student was already on the ground and submissive.
Harrison is a 22 year veteran of the force who was once named "Officer of the Year" and won the "Medal of Valor."
Former University of Maryland student John McKenna reacted to the verdict saying, "I'm definitely glad that some justice has been done today. It has been a long two years for me and my family, but there's a broader crime committed here and it's way bigger than two cops charged in this trial. So we hope that the Department of Justice continues their investigation."
State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks whose office prosecuted the two officers and Prince George's County police Chief Mark Magaw say they are partners in protecting the community
Alsobrooks said, "We believe that the citizens of Prince George's County have spoken loudly and clearly that although we appreciate and we really honor the protection that is provided to us, that protection must be reasonable and that protection must respect the dignity of every human being in this community."
Chief Magaw added, "This police department is resolved to be constitutional and professional and ethical. The trust of the community is paramount."
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The Chief says both officers remain on suspension until a police administrative review.
States Attorney Alsobrooks says she doesn't want either reinstated as a county police officer.
Corporal James Harrison will be sentenced on Dec 14.
Second degree assault carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years.
