SELMA — After 2 1/2 years in jail, a Dallas County jury decided at 3 p.m. Wednesday to release Roderick Blue as not guilty of capital murder with the intention of killing during a robbery.

Blue, Octavius Brown and Javarez Wiggins were arrest and indicted for allegedly shooting and killing James Whitt on May 17, 2007, outside of his Potter’s Station mobile home. According to the state’s case, Blue was the triggerman.

Blue had 11 witnesses take the stand in his defense. The three-day trial concluded after the jury deliberated for less than an hour and deemed Blue not guilty.

The three suspects have been held in the Dallas County jail without bond, although Blue has now been released from custody.

The other two suspects will remain in jail until their undetermined trial dates.

The suspects were said to have escaped with a laptop computer, a camera and an undetermined amount of money, police said.

Police had followed leads from witnesses when one of the accused reportedly tried to flee a local eatery without paying for a soda.

The police were called to help with the investigation, which led to their capture.

Blue was arrested on May 29, 2007. Whitt’s death was the third murder in Dallas County that year.