Former Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove has been found not guilty on all charges in connection to his handling of an officer-involved shooting death of Edson Thevenin.

Judge Jonathon Nichols presided over the case and rendered his verdict just a few hours after closing arguments wrapped up.

Abelove faced charges of perjury and official misconduct stemming from his handling of the fatal police shooting of Thevenin in 2016. The Black man was killed during a DWI traffic stop during which Troy Police Sgt. Randall French said he was pinned by Thevenin’s car. Thevenin died after being shot by French, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by a grand jury just days after the shooting. French, who died in April of COVID-19, had testified under immunity, meaning he wouldn’t have faced charges, regardless of what the grand jury decided.

“We’ve been sitting here just trying to get some type of validation and honestly we’re not surprised,” said Thevenin’s brother James after the verdict was read.

Closing statements concluded Thursday. State prosecutors argued Abelove rushed the case to a grand jury, presenting it just days after the shooting, calling it a “half baked rush job.” Abelove's defense argued he handled the case appropriately and within his duties as DA.

Abelove says he feels vindicated after being cleared of all charges, saying, “I’ve had to deal with this for the last four and a half years. It’s been a seemingly never-ending saga with the attorney general’s office and the governor over all of this and it’s a tremendous relief.”

Abelove, who is currently in private practice, says he will continue to practice law and looks forward to growing his business.

Supporters of Edson Thevenin gathered outside the Rensselaer County Courthouse each day of the trial. They were often loud enough those inside the courtroom could hear them. James Thevenin says he is thankful for the people who showed up and is asking them to continue to fight, and vote, for candidates interested in pursuing justice.

“We need a vote. We need a vote. People need to take voting seriously,” said James