Policeman Cleared In Choking Death

A policeman accused of fatally choking a man whose football hit a squad car was cleared of homicide Monday by a reluctant judge who called the officer confrontational and unprofessional.

“I do not find that the defendant is innocent,” State Supreme Court Justice Gerald Sheindlin said. “I do find that the people have failed to establish guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The verdict in the non-jury trial of Officer Francis Livoti triggered a hysterical outburst by the family of the victim, Anthony Baez, and their supporters, who screamed “Murderer!”