Watch CBS News

3 Beaten by Philadelphia Police Acquitted

Three men beaten by Philadelphia police during an arrest caught on videotape have been cleared of all charges in a triple shooting on the same night.

The verdict Wednesday comes after a city jury watched the 10-minute tape of police beating and kicking the three men after a May 2008 police chase.

Defense lawyers believe police thought a fugitive police killer was in the car.

Pete Hopkins Jr. and Dwayne Dyches are being released after spending more than a year in jail on the shooting charges. Co-defendant Brian Hall has been free on bail.

The defendants' relatives wept and slumped in their seats as the jury read the verdicts.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.