MOSCOW, December 17 (RIA Novosti) - A court...
Harrison, 49, was arrested on July 8 after his adopted Russian-born son, Chase, died of heatstroke after being left in a vehicle in the sun for nine hours in front of his father's workplace.
"The court does not find beyond a reasonable doubt that the elements of involuntary manslaughter have been met. For this reason, the defendant is found not guilty," Fairfax Circuit Court Judge R. Terrence Ney said.
The standard under Virginia law for involuntary manslaughter is "negligence so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a callous disregard for human life."
A guilty verdict would have carried a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
"No prison term is going to cause more pain than that which he has already suffered," Judge Ney said. "The only true atonement here can only take place within his heart and soul," Ney said, "and he's very fortunate that he's been supported by such a strong and loving family, friends, co-workers and neighbors."