CANTON -- Oral “Nick” Hillary is not guilty of killing Garrett Phillips, Judge Felix Catena announced this morning in St. Lawrence County Court.

Kayla Phillips, a cousin of the victim, was escorted out by EMTs after collapsing following the announcement.

The judge found Hillary not guilty following six days of trial testimony and a seventh of closing statements.

He was acquitted of second-degree murder, having been accused of strangling to death 12-year-old Garrett Phillips on Oct. 24, 2011 in Potsdam.

Hillary waived his right to a jury trial on Sept. 8 and opted for a bench trial where Catena would decide his fate.

More details will be reported as they become available.