Trevor Levi Gault was found not guilty by a jury of his peers on three charges including one count of open murder in 11th Circuit Court on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The trial started with jury selection on Monday, July 31, but took all day to find enough jurors.

After four days of testimony from eyewitnesses, law enforcement and evidence experts, the jury started deliberations on Monday, Aug. 7 and resumed on Tuesday before coming to a decision at approximately 3 p.m..

Open murder charges are specifically available for situations where the jury can decide what charge is appropriate given the circumstances of the case, ranging from manslaughter to premeditated murder. Gault turned down a second-degree murder plea deal just days before jury selection.

Gault was also found not guilty of two other charges of felony firearm possession and armed robbery by the jury.

Schoolcraft County Prosecutor Tim Noble released a statement regarding the ruling.

“While not guilty was the verdict, I appreciate and respect the jury and their decision. My heart goes out to the relatives of Doug Orr. I know this is not the verdict they had hoped for, but I hope this helps bring closure to them,” he said.

Gault was released earlier in the week after being in custody since 2020.