A former Fort Carson soldier accused of killing a comrade has been found not guilty of first-degree murder. Louis Bressler was accused of shooting and killing fellow Fort Carson soldier Kevin Shields in December of 2007.

A jury decided Wednesday afternoon that he is guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the case, but not guilty of first-degree murder or aggravated robbery.

Shields, 24, was found shot-to-death on December 1 on a sidewalk in the Old Colorado City area.

His family has been in the courtroom throughout the trial and is disappointed with the verdict.

"I know in my heart he killed my son. Whether he was found guilty or not, in my heart he will remain guilty," said the victim's mother Deborah Shields.

Besides Bressler, two other soldiers were arrested in connection with that murder, Kenneth Eastridge, and Bruce Bastien, Jr.

Eastridge testified against Bressler as part of a plea agreement. Bastien was also expected to testify against Bressler, but backed out at the last minute, pleading the 5th Amendment. There is no word yet on what charges Bastien will now face.

Bressler and Bastien were also accused in the murder of another Fort Carson soldier, Private First Class Robert James.