In a troubling court case at Liverpool Crown Court, two men were acquitted of murdering 77-year-old Eric Greener and 83-year-old Sheila Jackson, who died in an arson fire at their St Helens home. Kevin Weetman, 34, and Kylie Maynard, 37, were found guilty of manslaughter, while their accomplice Lee Owens, 46, had already pleaded guilty to the same charge. The incident, which took place on July 15 last year, was linked to a drug-related dispute involving the couple’s son, George Jackson, who was reportedly targeted due to a drug row.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the behavior exhibited by the defendants following their acquittal. After nearly 12 hours of jury deliberation, the reactions of Weetman and Owens, who were seen laughing and smiling together, have raised questions about their characterization of the events and their lack of remorse for the tragic outcome. Sheila Jackson's son, who lived with his parents, was thought to be the primary target during the arson, highlighting the often hidden dangers surrounding drug-related violence in communities.

With the sentencing of the two men now pending, the case is a stark reminder of the impacts of drug-related crime on innocent lives and communities. Both Weetman and Maynard are set to face the court once again on Thursday, and community residents are left reeling from the loss of the elderly couple, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to address drug-related violence and protect vulnerable populations.