Back in April of 2016, Shawn Oakman had his life turned completely upside down after he was accused of sexual assault. He has said he and the woman had a previous relationship and that the sexual encounter in question was consensual.
On Thursday, a McLennan County jury found the former Baylor Bears defensive end not guilty of sexual assault in a case that has drawn national attention.
Via Wacotrib:
The accuser, then a 22-year-old graduate student, testified Wednesday that she had been drinking at a Baylor-area bar with Oakman the night of the incident and that Oakman walked her to his nearby apartment. She said Oakman would not let her leave but instead removed her clothes and raped her on the bed twice.
Testimony in the trial began Wednesday after the original judge in the case recused himself on Monday based on a motion from the defense that objected to him unsealing documents without notifying defense attorneys. Judge Ralph Strother of Waco’s 19th State District Court was replaced by retired State District Judge Michael Snipes of Dallas.
Oakman’s family and friends reportedly screamed loudly after the verdict was read aloud, while Oakman wept and hugged his defense team.
