Ex-officer who shot, killed unarmed, naked man found not guilty of felony murder

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County jury has found ex-DeKalb County police Officer Robert "Chip" Olsen not guilty of felony murder.

Olsen shot and killed Anthony Hill in March 2015, who was naked and unarmed, at a DeKalb County apartment complex.

Olsen was found guilty of aggravated assault, violation of oath and making a false statement.

What has been at the center of the trial is if Olsen had a reasonable fear for his safety when he shot Hill.

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Hill, who had stopped taking medication for his mental illness, stripped naked outside his Chamblee apartment complex. Olsen arrived at the scene around 1 p.m., responding to three 911 calls from the manager of the complex.

The six-count indictment against Olsen, 57, included two charges of felony murder, which carried a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Channel 2's Lauren Davis was there as the verdict was read in court. She describes the dramatic reaction to the verdict when the officer's wife had to be escorted out, on Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.

Hill's mother was wiping away tears as Olsen was found not guilty of murder.

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Olsen's wife left the courtroom screaming "no!" and crying during the sentencing.

The state wanted Olsen to go to jail, stating he's a convicted felon, so they held a hearing for his bond, calling Hill's mother to the stand.

"It's been four years waiting. My son isn't here and he's been out. It's time now," Hill's mother said.

Davis spoke to a juror who was one of five jurors holding out for felony murder verdict. He didn't want his face shown, but said he had to compromise because he didn't want a hung jury.

"[Charges] One and two are what I wanted so when I thought another jury get selected got another teammate to agree with me to do just three through six," the juror said.

The verdict came after 27 hours of deliberations and the district attorney was pleased with their job.

"I respect this jury and I'm glad they deliberated thoughtfully and came to decision they thought best," said District Attorney Sherry Boston.

Despite the guilty verdicts, many supporters of Hill told Channel 2 Action News they feel justice was not served. The individuals held a protest Monday night.

"I felt the ones he is most guilty of, came back as not guilty," a protester said.

"We're hopeful that a maximum sentence will be handed down for the shooting which caused the death of Anthony Hill," another protester said.

Olsen will be sentenced Nov. 1.

Cox Media Group