Buckner man acquitted of killing girlfriend

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - On Friday, a Jackson County jury acquitted John Beltz for the August 24, 2008 shooting death of his girlfriend Michelle Grush in Buckner, Missouri. Beltz had been in jail since the shooting.

"She grabbed the 45 caliber pistol that was kept in the bedroom for protection, and impulsively ended her life," said defense attorney, Dan Ross.

The Jackson County medical examiner Dr. Mary Dudley ruled the death a homicide, and the state argued forensic tests showed Beltz pulled the trigger.

The defense argued the forensics were inconclusive. And Dr. Thomas Young, a  former Jackson County medical examiner, testified Grush died as a result of a self inflicted gunshot to the mouth.  He referred to the shooting as an "impulsive suicide."

According to the defense attorney, Dan Ross, the experts made the difference in the case for his client.

"The case came down to a battle of experts, and apparently ours won," said Ross.

The jury deliberated approximately six hours before rendering it's verdict. 

Beltz was released from the Jackson County jail Friday afternoon.