A Philadelphia jury Monday acquitted rapper Beanie Sigel in his retrial for attempted murder.
The jury deliberated two days over Sigel's alleged part in the July 2003 shooting of Terrance Speller, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The jury in his first trial could not reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared.
A key witness in Sigel's first trial testified he saw the rapper shoot Speller. But during the second trial, he repeatedly changed his story, the Inquirer said.
Sigel's attorneys maintained throughout Sigel was targeted by Spelling for money. Speller, who was shot in the stomach and foot, has a civil suit pending against Sigel.
Damon Dash Music Group CEO Damon Dash told AllHopHop.com he was celebrating the verdict with Sigel in an undisclosed hotel. Dash, who put out Sigel's latest album, "The B. Coming" said they were keeping the celebration "low profile."
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
