MORRISTOWN -- Vanessa Brown was acquitted on all charges in the 2012 crash that killed popular East Hanover community activist Ralph Politi, Jr.

Brown burst into tears and hugged her attorney, Edward Bilinkas, as the jury cleared her of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree vehicle homicide charges Thursday in Morris County Superior Court.

The family of Ralph Politi Jr. expressed outrage at the verdict and several stormed out of the courtroom yelling. "Unbelievable. People are nuts," said one. "What were they looking at? What were they looking at," said another.

Sheriff's officers cleared the family from the hallway outside the courtroom after Assistant Prosecutor John McNamara spoke with them in an effort to calm them down.

The long-delayed trial ended on Wednesday afternoon with closing arguments and the jury began deliberation Thursday morning after receiving jury instructions from Morris County Superior Court Judge Salem Vincent Ahto.

The jury, which began deliberations at approximately 9 a.m. and rendered its verdict at 4:30 p.m., sent a note asking for the legal elements of both aggravated manslaughter and vehicle homicide. The jury also asked for a narrow definition of "recklessness" thirty minutes before reaching its verdict.

"Ed is the greatest lawyer on the face of the planet," said Brown. "I can't wait to get home to my family. It's been a very long four years."

Brown, 35, of Parsippany said she couldn't breathe right before the jury forewoman read the verdict. "I just prayed," she said. "Absolutely prayed."

Brown expressed remorse at what happened and said she understands the family's pain.

"I absolutely feel for the family," she said. "I'm so apologetic. I have to live with this for the rest of my life. It'll never go away."

"I'm happy the jury found my client not guilty," said Bilinkas. "It's been a traumatic case for me. Anytime a death is involved I have mixed feelings. I believe the jury did the right thing."

Brown was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree vehicular homicide. Two-and-a-half hours after the 1:48 p.m. crash on May 5, 2012, Brown allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of .133 percent. The legal limit is 0.08.

Throughout the trial Brown's attorney questioned the prosecution's evidence. During his summation, Bilinkas told jurors every prosecution witness and every piece of evidence had a "problem."

Brown was driving south on Ridgedale Avenue in her Toyota Camry when she allegedly veered out of her lane and struck 49-year-old Politi as he stood between the open driver's side door and rear door of his Chevrolet pickup truck. The crash was caught on surveillance video.

Politi, who sold Politi Auto Parts but still owned All Jersey Garage Doors, was a board member for the Hanover Park Regional School District and president of the East Hanover Community Partnership. He was also the married father of twin daughters. Family and friends described the 49-year-old Politi as a strong leader and a generous Good Samaritan.