Texas City man acquitted in 2012 death of woman in Galveston

GALVESTON, TX -- A Southeast Texas man has been acquitted in the 2012 death of a Houston woman following a late-night swim in the Gulf of Mexico.

Michael Alicie of Texas City was charged with murder after the body of Jutina Silvey was found wedged between rocks near Galveston's seawall.

The Galveston County Daily News reports jurors Tuesday acquitted Alicie after 45 minutes of deliberations.

Attorneys for both sides said Silvey was visiting Galveston when she met Alicie, who was dating a family friend, and the two spent the day with a group drinking and sightseeing. Some went for a swim.

The defense said Silvey could not swim, was intoxicated and drowned. Lawyers for Alicie say he was also intoxicated and nearly drowned

Prosecutors said the woman died of blunt force and strangulation.