Local

Man accused of killing woman, stuffing body in trunk found not guilty

CHARLOTTE — Humberto Mendoza was found not guilty by a jury four-and-a-half years after he was arrested and charged with killing 65-year-old Nia Hantzapolous and leaving her body in the trunk of a car in Ballantyne.

[PAST COVERAGE: Man accused of killing Charlotte woman captured in Myrtle Beach]

“It was very difficult because everyone thought I did it,” Mendoza said on Thursday. “A lot of the media. They were pointing fingers to me.”

>> In the video at the top of this webpage, veteran crime reporter Mark Becker speaks with Mendoza after the verdict was read.

(WATCH BELOW: Warrants says murder suspect asked roommate to help load woman’s body in trunk)