BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A man that shot and killed 21-year-old Jimmy Pollard last Christmas Eve was found not guilty of the murder.

Officials said that on Dec. 24, 2011, at about 1:30 a.m., they went to the Elks Lodge at 1414 East California Avenue regarding a shooting.

Officers said they found Pollard to the rear of the building, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Pollard was taken to Kern Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 2 a.m.

The Kern County Superior Court jury found 26-year-old Roniele C. Delouth not guilty Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012.

The prosecution included a special circumstance allegation which subjected Delouth to the possibility of life prison without possibility of parole.

Delouth asserted self-defense.

The jury did however find Delouth guilty of the lesser charge of ex-felon in possession of a firearm.