Slaying Suspect Now a Free Man

Updated: Fri 4:34 PM, Nov 05, 2004

After just 30 minutes of deliberation a Panama City jury came back with a "not guilty" verdict in the manslaughter trial of a 22-year-old local man.

David Michael Benson was charged with killing 41-year-old Rebecca Bowser back in May.

Benson was involved in a fight with another man at the time. Bowser, who was standing nearby, was hit in the head with an ax handle. She died a few days later.

The defense argued that one of the other participants in the fight was responsible for hitting Bowser. Apparently the jury bought it and acquitted Benson.

He was released from the Bay County Jail as a free man Friday night after being held for nearly six months.

Bay County Commission Considering Lifeguards