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SALT LAKE CITY -- The verdict is in for a man accused of kidnapping his neighbor's children. After deliberating for about two and half hours, the jury found David James Bell not guilty on all counts.
At the moment the verdict was read, there were gasps and cheers from Bell's supporters. The children's family left the courtroom crying.
As for Bell, he said justice has finally been served and he's glad to be able to move on. He said his life had been on hold during the course of the trial.
During the trial, Bell said he had some fears that the jury could return a guilty verdict, but he said he had a lot of support.
"I've had a lot of prayers. My father gave me a blessing that gave me a lot of strength and allowed me to be more calm," Bell said. "And I have the best defense on the face of the earth.
In 2008, two neighbor children disappeared during their parent's Fourth of July party. The family found the kids next door inside Bell's home.
Before police arrived, someone beat up Bell and his partner, Dan Fair.
Bell told investigators the children wandered over. He said it was the children's family members who beat up him and his partner.
Bell's defense team said the charges should have never been brought against him. They also think the district attorney should consider filing assault charges against the children's family members who allegedly beat him hu.
The attorneys said Bell was offered a plea deal but didn't take it because he wasn't willing to admit to something he didn't do.
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Story compiled with contributions from Anne Forester and Paul Nelson.
