Jury Finds Perryman Not Guilty of Murder

The Newport man accused of murdering 44-year-old Anthony Simmons after an argument in a Gould Street apartment in 2012 is not guilty of the crime, a jury decided Tuesday in Newport County Superior Court.

The jury deliberated for two-and-a-half days before reaching the verdict following the eight-day trial.

Prosecutors told jurors that Perryman stabbed Simmons five times during the argument, killing Simmons, presenting evidence that included witness statements, the knife and bloody clothing.

Witnesses told police that the two men, who were cousins, had been arguing before Perryman stabbed Simmons several times.

Perryman fled the scene but was captured by police a few minutes later near the Gould Street apartment.

Perryman first stood trial in November, but a mistrial was declared due to circumstances unrelated to the case.