In a move that literally stunned millions who have been watching, pop singer Michael Jackson was today aquitted of all ten counts with which he had been charged. The jury sent word of a verdict around 12:15 PM, PT, and the verdict was read when all the principals were in place at 2:00 PM, 5 PM ET. Thousands of fans were gathered outside the Santa Barbara County courthouse listening to their pocket radios when the verdict was read by the court clerk, and they erupted in shouts and screams of joy as the “not guilty” verdicts were read.

The Jackson family emerged from the courthouse minutes later, looking much more confident than when they entered. They all entered their characteristic black SUV’s and headed for Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.

Tom Sneddon, the District Attorney for Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, responded to questions in a short news conference after the trial. When asked if he was finished with his chase of Michael Jackson, he responded, “No comment.”

So, what happens next? No one knows, we shall see.