SCHOHARIE — A judge has found Cal Harris not guilty in his fourth murder trial.

Judge Richard Mott made the announcement this afternoon inside his courtroom in Schoharie County, where the third and fourth murder trials have been heard.

Harris was convicted twice, but had both convictions overturned. A third trial in 2015 ended with a mistrial.

This fourth trial took a different turn, with Harris and his attorney opting for a bench trial.

Harris was accused by Tioga County prosecutors in the disappearance and suspected murder of his wife, Michele, after she returned to their home on the evening of September 11, 2001.

Prosecutors claimed in this latest trial that Harris killed his wife due to concerns over his wealth and possibly losing access to his children.

Defense attorney Bruce Barket has argued that Harris was not responsible, instead saying two men with ties to Michele Harris, who live outside of Tioga County, were the ones responsible.

After the verdict was read Tuesday afternoon, Harris reportedly dipped his head, while family members let out a small cheer inside the courtroom.