Teresa Black: Arizona mom accused of concealing 6-year-old son William Hamilton's death decades ago found not guilty of murder

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DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA: Teresa Black, an Arizona mother accused of concealing the death of her 6-year-old son, William Hamilton, more than two decades ago, has been found not guilty of murder by a DeKalb County jury.

While the jury did find her guilty of concealing her son's death, Black was acquitted on five of the six charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. 

What happened to William Hamilton?

The remains of William were discovered in DeKalb County on February 26, 1999, when a cemetery worker, in the course of preparing for a funeral, came across his body in a wooded area on Clifton's Springs Road.

Upon investigation, it was determined that someone had arranged his body, and he had been in that location for several months, enduring the effects of the elements. Notably, there were no indications of foul play.

Insights from jurors on Teresa Black's acquittal

The verdict followed hours of deliberation on Wednesday, January 10, leaving William's father visibly distraught as he walked out of the courtroom upon hearing the jury's decision.

Two jurors shared the challenges they faced in reaching the verdict, citing, "The evidence was limited at best as far as physical evidence to support the charges that were brought upon Teresa Black by the state."

Jonathan Mittleman, another juror, acknowledged,  "It was emotional for all of us. There was one lady who was crying in the jury room," adding, "We all didn't want the outcome that we got, but we felt this was the fairest based on the law."

Prosecution vs defense paint a different picture in Teresa Black' Trial

Prosecutors had vigorously pursued a conviction during the trial, portraying Black as a negligent mother who failed to provide medical care to her son, leading to his death.

They argued that she then concealed his death for years, leaving his body in a wooded area.

Despite the disappointment expressed by DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston at the verdict, she maintained her belief in Black's responsibility for William's death.

"Teresa Bailey may have walked away and abandoned her son in 1999, but today I'm proud to say that the people in this room and in this community never did. Today, William DaShawn Hamilton has his name back, and he will never be forgotten," said Boston as per 11 Alive.

Black's defense team countered the prosecution's narrative, presenting her as a mother who gave her son over-the-counter medicine and, out of fear, did not seek help when he fell ill.

They argued that the evidence did not support the allegations against her.

As the trial concludes, Black will be sentenced for one count on Friday. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to pursue prison time for the charge of concealing her son's death.