FAYETTEVILLE — A jury has found Raymond Douglas not guilty of the first-degree murder of his former mother-in-law.
Douglas looked up at the ceiling and gave a thumbs up sign as the verdict was read. His sister, who was sitting several rows behind him, fell to the floor, crying.
Ronald Davis Jr., the Little Rock attorney who represented Douglas, described his client as “overwhelmed” by the jury’s verdict.
“It boiled down to people paying attention and making a decision consistent with the law and consistent with the evidence,” Davis said.
Douglas, 42, was accused of killing Goldie Thornsberry in 1996, when he and ex-wife Reta Flowers lived with Thornsberry in her South Lewis Avenue home in Fayetteville. Thornsberry’s body was found in a Little Rock well in 2000, but wasn't identified until 2010. Douglas and Flowers were charged with first-degree murder soon thereafter.
The prosecution’s case largely relied on the testimony of Flowers, who admitted on the stand that she had previously lied to the police during their investigation into her mother’s disappearance and death.
“We’re talking about an almost 16-year-old case where the remains were found 11 years ago and weren’t identified until last year,” Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John Threet said after the verdict was read. “We knew it was going to be tough.”
Thornsberry’s daughters were outraged at the verdict. Her oldest daughter, Barbie Carnes, yelled, “Your brother killed my mom,” as Douglas’ sister and mother walked to the elevator.
“I don’t know how you could find him not guilty because he is guilty as sin,” Carnes said. “God will have His revenge.”
Flowers has since pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension or prosecution. She has not been sentenced, but is expected to receive 20 years in prison with 10 suspended as part of the deal.
Threet said Wednesday’s verdict will not affect Flowers’ plea agreement.
The trial of Douglas, 42, started Monday before a jury of 10 women and three men, including one alternate.
Douglas' first trial in August ended in a mistrial after Flowers made a comment during testimony about Douglas' previous jail time. The judge, William Storey, determined the comment could unfairly prejudice the jury.