Man Found Not Guilty of Killing Midland Police Officer

MIDLAND, TX — A Midland man was found not guilty by a jury on Wednesday after prosecutors alleged he purposely killed a police officer.

As previously reported, on May 30, 2019, David Charles Wilson, 37, was indicted for manslaughter after he shot and killed a Midland police officer.

The shooting occurred on March 5, during a burglary call at the residence of Wilson's. Five-year veteran officer for the MPD, Hayden Heidelberg, was the officer that took the call. 

Once inside, Officer Heidelberg made a loud announcement but was welcomed with gunfire. 

“The homeowner reportedly mistook the officer for an intruder,” stated the original report. “Ofc. Heidelberg was shot above his bullet-proof vest by the homeowner.”

Wilsons’ jury trial began on Nov. 5. During the trial a COVID-19 outbreak forced the court to pause the trial. 

Once jurors returned following the pause, the trial wrapped up quickly. On Dec. 8, the jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding Wilson not guilty.