HARRISBURG — A Dauphin County jury deliberated about an hour Wednesday morning before acquitting a Harrisburg man of murder for shooting his girlfriend's estranged husband outside a city bar in June.

Theodore Meriweather

Theodore Meriweather, 41, insisted that he acted in self-defense and was in fear of his life when he fired a single shot at 53-year-old John "Lump" Lumpkins.

Defense attorney Roy Galloway called Meriweather's actions a "textbook case" as to how one should comply with the state's self defense law when confronted by an aggressor. "He did what he was supposed to do," Galloway said.

The jurors apparently agreed and acquitted Meriweather of charges of first- and third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.

"I believe justice was served today," Galloway said.

Meriweather, who has been in prison for the last nine months, was visibly nervous as he entered the courtroom in shackles. He still seemed stunned after the verdict was read and sheriff's deputies led him out of the courtroom toward freedom.

His family members embraced and some wiped away tears after the jury's decision was announced.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Rozman declined comment on the trial's outcome.

Rozman had argued that Meriweather, who had a license to carry a gun, had no legal justification for shooting Lumpkins in the chest during the confrontation outside The Pub on Dewberry Street. Instead of firing, Meriweather should have called 911 and tried to retreat, the prosecutor contended.

Had Rozman won a first-degree murder verdict, Judge Deborah Essis Curcillo would have sentenced Meriweather to life in prison.

Galloway contended during the trial that Meriweather was well within the law when he shot Lumpkins.

Lumpkins had threatened Meriweather at least twice before, once with a knife, Galloway said. He said Meriweather did try to retreat, but had not choice but to fire as an enraged Lumpkins rushed at him.

Meriweather testified Tuesday that he was in mortal fear when he pulled the trigger. He then called 911, stayed at the scene and spoke with police.

"I believe the evidence clearly showed this was a self defense case," Galloway said after the verdict. "Mr. Meriweather did everything in his power to avoid a confrontation with Mr. Lumpkins … He felt that his life was in jeopardy."

One of Meriweather's supporters hugged Galloway in the courthouse hallway after the verdict.

"We're very happy and very pleased that the truth came out," said Apostle Yolanda Lee, Meriweather's cousin. "It''s also a sad occasion because someone's life is gone."