On Tuesday, jurors heard closing arguments in the murder trial of former New York Giants wide receiver Travis Rudolph.
Prior to the final statements, Rudolph himself took the stand and again declared his innocence. Although he acknowledged firing the shots that killed Sebastien Jean-Jacques, he remained adamant that it was a case of self-defense.
“I kept shooting until I no longer felt there was a threat,” Rudolph said on the stand, via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “No, I’m not guilty. I saved me and my brother’s life.”
Travis Rudolph praying with his family & friends shortly after the jury went into the deliberations room 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾pic.twitter.com/kNdz3dSnQO
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) June 7, 2023
After eight long days, both sides rested their cases. The jury reconvened on Wednesday morning at 10 p.m. ET for deliberations and after four hours, they returned a verdict.
Rudolph was found not guilty on all charges — one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder.
Former NFL WR Travis Rudolph was found not guilty on all charges related to a 2021 shooting outside his family’s home that left a man dead.
Rudolph wants to resume his playing career, per agent Zac Hiller of @LAASportsEnt, which assembled his legal team. pic.twitter.com/yEcBAGyJzx
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 7, 2023
Shortly after the verdict was read, Rudolph expressed a desire to resume his football career.
“What’s next? I am definitely going to celebrate with my family and get back to trying to play football,” Rudolph said.
Leading up to the trial, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tweeted out support for the ex-Giant.
Free Travis Rudolph 🙏🏾
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) May 30, 2023
Rudolph signed with the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Florida State in 2017. During his time with FSU, Rudolph made heartwarming viral headlines after sitting and eating lunch with Bo Paske, a young boy with autism. Paske’s mother later shared an emotional note on Facebook which nearly left the wide receiver in tears.
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