Jury finds Ziare Dalton not guilty in Milwaukee mother's shooting death

The verdict was reached after more than five hours of deliberation. Dalton was seen smiling as the decision was read in court.

According to court documents, the case stemmed from an incident in April of last year inside an apartment near 15th and Cherry.

Prosecutor said 17-year-old Jaylen Gray fired a gun while trying to protect his mother, Amber Gray, from being hit by his stepfather, Ziare Dalton. Jaylen fired eight shots, one of which struck his mother.

Jurors also heard a 911 call from that night. In the recording, Amber Gray can be heard reporting the attack before gunshots ring out, and the line goes silent.

Delton was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. Amber Gray later died from her injuries.

During closing arguments, prosecutors argued Dalton's actions lead directly to the deadly outcome.

Prosecutor, Daniel Flaherty said Jalen believed his mother was in danger.

"He heard Mr. Dalton threatened to kill her, threatened to kill her parents, and he knew that Mr. Dalton had the means to do it," Flaherty said.

The defense countered that the shooting was not an attempt to stop an assault. Attorney Colleen Taylor argued the incident stemmed from the ongoing tension between Jaylen and Dalton.

"This did not happen because of any attempted battery, and you heard that from Jaylen's own mouth," Taylor said. "This happened because Jaylen Gray felt disrespected, he was fed up, offended and felt some type of way."

After the verdict was read, Dalton's family was seen clapping and hugging, appearing satisfied with the jury's decision.