The jury in the Matheson case returned a Not Guilty verdict this afternoon, and they feel really bad about it.

"I wanted to convict him, honestly," said Sara Hindman, one of the jurors, who asked not to be identified. "The facts of the case were never in dispute. Everyone agreed that that monster did horrid things to those innocent retirees and orphans. But the law was very specific. Doing what he did is not actually illegal in this state."

One of the other jurors confirmed the statement of Miss Hindman, of 32 West Rockaway. "When I saw those crime scene photos, I was ready to ignore the law and lock that scumbag away for the rest of his life. But the others talked me out of it. Especially that Sara Hindman. I was like, 'It's wrong!' and she was like, 'But it wasn't against the law!' Finally, I gave in, but I don't think it was the right thing to do."

Further interviews with the other jurors revealed a consensus on several issues: they felt the law required them to let Matheson go free, they regretted their decision later, and Sara Hindman was the driving force behind their terrible mistake.

Further attempts to reach Sara Hindman for further questioning by phone at 555-2937 were unsuccessful.