The plaintiff's in a wrongful death civil suit held in Melbourne, Arkansas this Friday afternoon went outside to take a break, finding the back window of their lawyer's SUV completely shattered. The SUV was parked out in front of the courthouse directly under a streetlight. No weapon, rock, or baseball bat was found at the scene.

The wrongful death charges were being pressed against the defendant Jim Cooper, former owner of the nursing home where the plaintiff's mother had died. Numerous doctors testified that the deceased woman would have lived during complications had she been given proper medical attention.

Cooper is a big time player in the area. As one person involved in the suit says, "He owns this town. The Cooper's, they own everything." Many in this remote area of Arkansas believe - though no legal allegations have been made - that Cooper has been involved in intimidation, buy-offs, and threats. Because of this, a request was made and promptly denied at the beginning of the trial for a change of location. Judge Tim Weaver who oversaw the case, "played it fair," says one person in attendance. "I overheard him tell the Sheriff 'Find who broke that window. I want a conviction. I will not have this happen while my court is in session.'"

But did the jury play fair, too? One person present at the trial relayed an incident that took place during the week, saying the defendant's father had walked into the court room and sat down right next to the Sheriff. At some time during the trial, he got the attention of the jury and made a noose-like shape around his neck with his hands while the jury looked on - and laughed. Many other similar incidents occurred during the trial.

So, what happened? The jury deliberated for a couple hours and came up with a "not guilty" on all charges. It seems like big money and influence has won in the small town of Melbourne.