After being in jail for nearly three years and charged with crimes that could have kept him behind bars for decades, Michael Barisone today was cleared of two charges by reason of insanity and ruled not guilty on three others after being tried for attempted murder.
It might seem like the end of a long, difficult journey, but it’s not quite over yet.
Michael still faces a psychiatric evaluation at a hospital in Trenton, although the day may come soon when he can get on a horse again. But first, he will return to court for another hearing on May 17.
Read the story at this link and see the photos below.
A relieved Michael Barisone after the verdict. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“We did it,” says defense attorney Ed Bilinkas and attorney Chris Deininger, who worked with him on the Barisone case. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn and Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Alex Bennett are grim-faced leaving the courtroom after doing their best for the prosecution but failing to win over the jury. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lara Osborne, Michael Barisone’s romantic interest, who said of the verdict, “I’m so relieved, and now he can start healing. That’s the most important thing.” (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
After the verdict is announced, Michael Barisone gets hands-on attention from attorneys Ed Bilinkas and Chris Deininger. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
