John Thompson, of the borough of Liberty, had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children. Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning acquitted him on Wednesday morning after a nonjury trial.
Defense attorney Anthony DeLuca told the judge that Thompson -- who did not testify -- is devastated financially and emotionally and would lose his livelihood if convicted of a felony...
On Monday, a county police officer testified that Thompson said he kept snacks and cakes in the closet with the guns. The officer also testified that Gavin had a problem with wanting sweets and had an interest in his father's guns. Prosecutors said that made the closet desirable to the boy.