Plishka (file)

HONESDALE – A jury deliberated 3½ hours, then found Jeffrey Plishka not guilty on all counts related to the 1991 murder of camp counselor Laura Ronning.  Plishka, 47, arrested a year ago, was immediately released.

It was DNA evidence that investigators said finally gave them a break in the cold case.  It was also the DNA evidence that was brought into question by Plishka’s defense, when an expert testified the evidence did not conclusively point to Plishka.

The defense argued that there was little in the prosecution that did point to the suspect.

The prosecution argued that there was evidence, including incriminating statements Plishka reportedly made to police. 

The defense also relied on testimony, including from Plishka’s father, renowned opera singer Paul Plishka, that his son was a man who had difficulty understanding things, and would tend to talk of things he knew nothing about.

The trial in Wayne County Court lasted seven days.  The jury got the case late Tuesday afternoon, and returned the verdict at about 8:30.