SC speedway co-owner not guilty in hit-and-run

The co-owner of the Myrtle Beach speedway has been found not guilty of leaving the scene of an accident in the death of a pedestrian three years ago.
   
Multiple media outlets report an Horry County jury deliberated about 90 minutes Thursday before clearing 71-year-old Billy Hardee in the death of a 24-year-old man whose body was found in a ditch along a highway in October 2006.
   
Hardee had tears in his eyes when he heard the verdict. He testified he thought he had hit a deer that night, stopped his vehicle and looked around, but never saw Roy Simmons’ body.

Hardee’s lawyer said in closing arguments he was always honest with investigators and didn’t try to cover up the incident.

Members of Simmons’ family say they were disappointed with the verdict.