BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Nearly two years ago police responded to Bretnie Owens' Binghamton residence and found the 44-year-old dead inside.

An autopsy declared his death a homicide and Calvin Bell was indicted on four charges including one count of second-degree murder.

After about two weeks of testimony and two and a half days of jury deliberations, Bell has been declared a free man.

"Mr. Bell has maintained his not guilty plea from the beginning, and this is a case where the justice system dictates that the prosecution and the government in this case must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt," said his defense attorney Michael Korchak.

Korchak said there were three items of reasonable doubt in this case: the police investigation, phone evidence, and witness testimony.

"Many of them had drug addictions, drug problems, and it seems obvious that the jury had a little trouble with their credibility and their recollection of events as well as their trial testimony," Korchak added.

For that, the Bell family is thankful. They filled the courtroom seats each and every day.

"That's how we were raised. We were raised family oriented so that's what we do," said Bell's sister Pamela.

She said it was nerve-racking to watch her brother's fate placed in the hands of 12 complete strangers. 

"My belief is in God, not people. God is more powerful beyond normal and people, they'll do anything to execute somebody or convict somebody without the proper evidence so I'm happy that the outcome was very good," said Pamela.

Now after about two years, Bell's family is happy to have him back.

"I'm extra excited because I believe the jury executed what they needed to execute in order to, they looked at what they needed to look at in order to deliver," Pamela said.

As for Bell, defense attorneys said their client is really looking forward to spending more time with his family.

While prosecutors declined to comment, after the verdict was read the Assistant District Attorney Kevin Dooley said they respect the jury's verdict.

As for Bell's co-defendant, Nigel Smith, his trial is scheduled to begin later this month.