Man Acquitted in Death of Foster Daughter, 2

A Gardena man was acquitted of murder Tuesday in the death of his 2-year-old foster child in June 2001.

A Los Angeles jury deliberated for two days before returning a not guilty verdict for 22-year-old Manuel Garay.

He and his wife, Cookie Smith, were charged with murdering Jasmine Garcia, who had lived with them for three months. She was one day from being legally adopted by a relative, foster care officials said. A Superior Court judge ordered Garay released from jail. Smith is still awaiting trial.