David Barajas acquitted of murdering the drunk driver who killed his kids

David Barajas, the Texas dad who allegedly murdered 20-year-old Jose Banda after the younger man killed Barajas’ two sons in a drunk driving accident, was acquitted by a jury today.

“I thank God. This has been hard on me and my family,” David told The Associated Press after the ruling was announced, NBC reports.

David Barajas speaks to media with attorney, wife, and supporters by his side. pic.twitter.com/vlDcqaBzRw

— Amanda Perez (@AmandaKPRC) August 27, 2014

The closely watched case began in December 2012 when David, his 12-year-old son and his 11-year-old son were pushing their broken truck on the side of a rural road less than a quarter-mile from their home. After the two boys were struck and killed by Jose, prosecutors argued David retrieved a gun from home, returned to the scene and shot Jose in the head.

David’s attorney, Sam Cammack, noted a gun wasn’t found and there was little evidence at the scene. He claimed David was solely focused on saving his sons.

David faced life in prison if he had been convicted. The jury’s decision means many questions still remain about how Jose was killed.