Gasps of joy rang out in a Dauphin County courtroom Tuesday morning as a jury acquitted a man who has spent more than 13 years behind bars for a Harrisburg murder he insisted he didn’t commit.

That verdict, which will free Larry Roberts, now 48, came after the jurors deliberated about 2 ½ hours.

This was Roberts’ second trial in the case. He initially was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for the Dec. 21, 2005 slaying of 26-year-old Duwan “Wubb” Stern, who was shot in his car at 20th and Swatara streets.

County Judge Scott A. Evans overturned that verdict and ordered a new trial in 2017 on grounds that evidence had not been handed over to the defense and that Roberts’ first attorney was ineffective for not calling an alibi witness.

The announcement of the acquittal left all of Roberts supporters in tears. Among them was one of his attorneys, Nilam Sanghvi of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.

“We’re really pleased the jury took the time to really look at the evidence,” Sanghvi said. “We and Trent really feel for Mr. Stern’s family as well. We hope the real killer will someday be caught.”

“Trent and his family have had a difficult journey,” she added.

After the jurors left the courtroom, the first people Roberts hugged, after Sanghvi, were members of Stern’s family. “I’m sorry about your loss,” he said softly.

Special prosecutor Johnny Baer argued during the seven-day trial that Roberts, a used car dealer, killed Stern over a debt involving a car. He presented testimony from three witnesses who said they saw Roberts at the slaying scene.

Sanghvi and fellow defense attorneys Thomas Schmidt and Tucker Hull attacked the accuracy of those witnesses and challenged the police investigation that resulted in their identification of Roberts. They also presented testimony that Roberts’ cell phone was miles away from the site when Stern was killed.

“Fifteen years is a long time to be wrong. He lost a lot and we thank God this jury saw through all the smoke and mirrors,” said Robert Stewart, a lifelong friend of Roberts. “A lot of lies were told.”

“We always knew Trent didn’t do it. He was never that kind of person,” Stewart said.

Roberts’ mother, Nina Trollinger, said little, but her relief was palpable.

“He’s my son. I’m just glad,” she said. “The truth always comes to light.”

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.