MARQUETTE, MI-- An Ishpeming man charged with manslaughter in the beating death of a Negaunee man last year has been found not guilty of the crime.
Thomas Hyttinen, 38, was accused of using excessive force when he punched Carl Wayne Mercer, 43, during a fight in April of 2011. Hyttinen claimed he was defending himself after Mercer pushed and swung at him in Hyttinen’s apartment following a night of drinking.
The jury rendered its verdict after two hours of deliberation Wednesday night. Hyttinen had faced up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
