First Suspect Acquitted In Adams' Stabbing Released From Jail
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- After nearly 11 months in jail and a full day after a jury acquitted him of aggravated assault and carjacking charges, Michael Paranay walked out of the Allegheny County Jail a free man.
"I'm innocent and I was proven innocent, and that's all I've got to say," he said.
Earlier, he was visited by his attorney who says the credibility of Pittsburgh Steelers' lineman Mike Adams was at issue for the jury, which apparently did not believe Adams was the victim of a carjacking.
"I think, essentially, this case comes down to two competing stories and one story was completely incredible and I think the other one made a lot more sense," said Paranay's lawyer, Randall McKinney.
McKinney says Paranay has been approached by civil attorneys to possibly pursue a wrongful arrest case, but nothing has been determined.
But Allegheny County District Attorney Steve Zappala says his office isn't finished looking at the case either, particularly since no one was convicted of stabbing Adams.
Zappala says he is looking specifically at the testimony of surprise defense witness Shariea Cox. She described Adams as abusive the night of the confrontation.
"There's a number of things that bother me," said Zappala. "Some things that were said in the closing that were not supported by the evidence, and a last-minute witness that we have some issues with and we're developing that right now."
So far, Dquay Means and Jerrell Whitlock have yet to be released.
RELATED LINKS:
Jury Finds 3 Suspects Not Guilty In Adams' Stabbing (4/30/14)
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