Ernie Chanmany acquitted in the murder of Sammy Mercado

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno County jury acquitted Ernie Chanmany of first degree murder- in what attorneys are calling a "bizarre" murder trial.

He wasn't the shooter but Ernie Chanmany was held responsible for the murder of sixteen year old Sammy Mercado back in 2012.

Jurors decided Chanmany was not guilty of murder but guilty of growing and possessing drugs. But jurors could not come to an agreement about the second degree murder charge so prosecutors are gearing up for a second trial.

Chanmany's expression never changed - not when the verdict was read-- not when the jury was dismissed. Defense attorney Eric Green says "in my opinion the D.A's office should not have prosecuted Ernie Chanmany for murder period".

Green maintains that Chanmany was in a pickup truck when Sammy Mercado was shot and killed. The suspects believed Mercado was trying to steal their marijuana and say he'd stolen from them before. Six months after the murder it was Ernie Chanmany who led detectives to the orchard where he admitted that he and two brothers buried the teen's body. Green says, "this is not a murder for hire case such as somebody wanting to knock off his wife or her husband i think the jury made the right decision".

He also said- it was one of the more bizarre cases he's tried-- as his client didn't pull the trigger, and didn't even have a gun, but was charged with murder. "I hope they enthusiastically go after the real killer who is Michael Voravong".

Chanmany was found guilty of having and growing marijuana but whether he faces yet another murder trial remains to be seen.

The case will be back in court in about two weeks. Chanmany is still in custody on other crimes.