Man acquitted in killing of Uber driver in Greenville County

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A jury found a man not guilty in the killing an Uber driver in Greenville County.

Jospeh Johnson, III was charged with murder in the death of Michael Mecklenburg. Mecklenburg was shot to death in April 2017 after dropping off a passenger on Power Street, about two miles from downtown Greenville.

Three expert witnesses took the stand on Wednesday and testified about forensic cell phone data.

The prosecution argued that the forensic records placed Johnson at the scene of the crime. Johnson’s attorney said the data could not pinpoint his exact location.

Deputies said Mecklenburg was dropping off a passenger in the early morning hours when Johnson, who lived nearby, went outside and began arguing with him.

On Wednesday, both sides rested their case.

A jury acquitted Johnson on the murder charge Thursday afternoon.

Solicitor Walt Wilkins released a statement saying, “We regret the verdict in this case, but we respect the jury’s decision.”

Stay with FOX Carolina for updates on this developing story.

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