Jury quickly returns verdict in Windsor, Ont. murder trial

(CTV News file image)

It took just four hours for the jury to deliberate and decide the accused in a second-degree murder trial in Windsor should be cleared.

On Monday evening, the jury in the three weeks of proceedings returned a not guilty verdict for Ryan Taylor, 35, accused in the death of Thomas ‘TJ’ McIntyre in the fall of 2020.

Taylor’s lawyers argued their client was acting in self-defense after McIntyre ran up to him while Taylor walked alone along Seminole Street on Windsor’s near east side.

The 38-year-old McIntyre died on Sept. 27^th, 2020 in hospital after suffering traumatic injuries to the head following the fight on Sept. 23^rd.

The Crown alleged Taylor tackled McIntyre to the ground and hit him in the head five times while McIntyre lay motionless; however, the defense argued the two had a history of fighting and Taylor was protecting himself from an aggressor.

Today began with closing arguments before the jury was sequestered for the evening, ultimately returning a verdict around 7:40 p.m.