The Judgment

After hours of deliberation, the judge declared a mistrial when the jury failed to reach a verdict. The defendants were released, and one month later, Henry Sweet, Ossian’s brother, was put on trial again. Henry was the only defendant who admitted to firing his gun from the house. He was eventually found not guilty, on grounds of self-defense. This verdict, in effect, suggested that Black people could have an equal right to protect their homes. The chief prosecutor eventually moved to dismiss the remaining cases.

The jury in Sweet's trial.