3 prison guards were acquitted on charges they stomped...

3 prison guards were acquitted on charges they stomped an inmate to death in his cell to keep him from exposing brutality behind bars. The jury deliberated for 3 1/2 hours before returning its verdict in the murder trial of Capt. Timothy Thornton, 36, and Sgts. J.D. Griffis and Charles Brown, both 28. The former Florida State Prison officers were charged with the July 17, 1999, slaying of inmate Frank Valdes, 36, who was found dead after what prosecutors allege were 2 violent confrontations with guards. Valdes was sentenced to death for the 1987 murder of Fred Griffis, 40.