Parasiris acquitted on 3 charges in police slaying

Basil Parasiris has been acquitted of three charges in connection with the shooting death of Laval police Const. Daniel Tessier, including a count of attempted murder of the officer's colleague.

Quebec Judge Guy Cournoyer acquitted Parasiris on three charges Tuesdaywhile givinginstructions to the 12-person jury at the Longueuil courthouse.

Cournoyer told the jury it would only have toarrive ata verdict on a single charge of first-degree murder, in connectionwith Tessier's death.

There was not enough proof for the other charges to stand, including a count of attempted murder of Tessier's partner, Stphane Forbes,the judgesaid.

Parasiris was also acquitted of two weapons-related charges.

The jury was then sequestered for its deliberations.

Tessier was shot dead during a drug raid on Parasiris's South Shore home in March 2007.

The Crown argued at the murder trial that Parasiris had numerous choices as police knocked down the door of his home.

But Parasiris testified he had little time to react and did not know police officers had entered his home, but thought his family was being robbed.