SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Baltimore Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon has been acquitted of fatally shooting one man and wounding another in his hometown in the Dominican Republic.
A three-judge panel in Santo Domingo acquitted Simon Tuesday of involuntary murder in the death of Michell Esteban Castillo, 25, and of injuring the victim's cousin Starlin Castillo, 17, early on Jan. 1 during a New Year's celebration in Luperon, CNN reported.
Defense attorneys said the prosecution had not proved Simon fired the pistol that killed Castillo, who Simon said was a childhood friend.
Prosecutors claimed Simon had bribed witnesses, including the younger Castillo.
Prosecutors said they plan to appeal to a regional appeals court in Santiago. An acquittal can be appealed by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic within 20 working days.
Simon, 30, started 23 games for the Orioles last season and had a record of 4-9 and a 4.90 earned-run average.
