SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse man who acted as his own lawyer successfully defended himself at a murder trial.

A jury today took about two hours to find Derrick Wilson not guilty of murdering Waliek Hamer on Easter 17 years ago.

"Thank you. Thank you all," Wilson said to jurors as they exited the Onondaga County courtroom around 2:30 p.m. today. Before the verdict was read, he held his head down and his hands in prayer.

Wilson made the unusual decision to represent himself at trial after cycling through at least three court-appointed lawyers.

Throughout the case, he pleaded with the jury, reminding them his life was on the line. He also repeatedly said there was no physical evidence against him or reliable witnesses in the murder.

In advance of the trial, he presented a theory that federal and state authorities were conspiring to frame him of the murder. Wilson is currently serving a 28-year sentence on charges that he led a heroin and cocaine dealing ring in the city of Syracuse.

Prosecutor Shaun Chase relied on police experts and witnesses who were at Grandma's Burgers afterhours joint on South Salina Street at the time of the murder.

Some witnesses placed Wilson at the scene and others testified about what they saw the shooter wearing.

But only a longtime friend of Wilson's, who said his testimony was part of federal officials' plea deal with him in the drug case, actually testified that he saw Wilson shoot Hamer.

The witness, Jamall Harris, said he was not lying to get a better deal, but admitted that he lied to police officers "probably more than he told the truth."

Chase said after the verdict that uncooperative witnesses, including at least one who had to be brought into Onondaga County on a bench warrant, made the case against Wilson a very tough one.

"One person was so scared of Derrick Wilson that he totally changed his testimony from two years ago [in grand jury proceedings]," Chase said.

Chase said despite the difficulties of the case, it was worth bringing it to trial to allow the victim's family to have their day in court. He noted that Wilson will remain in prison for more than two decades in connection with the federal drug charges.

Wilson also represented himself in the federal case, but was unsuccessful at the time. He is attempting to appeal.

Chase said in this case, Wilson's choice to represent himself probably helped him.

While Visiting Judge John Crandall limited what Wilson could say to the jury -- sometimes asking jurors to disregard his comments -- Chase said the jury still heard everything that was said.

Plus, the jury heard from a defendant who Chase described as charismatic and intelligent.

"There is a reason he was a high-ranking member of his drug conspiracy," Chase said. "Derrick Wilson is ultimately a sad tale of wasted talent."

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992