A three-judge panel court on Tuesday acquitted Baltimore Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon of charges in the shooting death of a man in his hometown . Simon was charged with involuntary murder in the death of Michell Esteban Castillo , 25 , and with injuring the victim 's cousin Starlin Castillo , 17 , early on January 1 in the nearby town of Luperon . Defense attorneys argued that the prosecution failed to prove Simon fired the pistol that killed Castillo , who he said was a childhood friend , during a New Year 's Eve celebration . Prosecutors claimed that Simon had bribed witnesses , including the wounded cousin , who on Tuesday appeared less certain that Simon was the shooter than he had been in previous statements to police and the media . Prosecutors said they will wait for the official verdict to be released but plan to appeal to the regional appellate court in Santiago . In the Dominican Republic , prosecutors can appeal an acquittal to a higher court within 20 working days . Simon faces a 10-year sentence on the charges . The 30-year-old right-hander started 23 games for the Orioles this season and posted a record of 4-9 with a 4.90 earned-run average . According to local news website gentetuya.com , Simon is expected to sign a $ 12 million contract with the Orioles .
Alfredo Simon was charged with killing one man , wounding another on January 1 . Defense said prosecution failed to prove he fired the gun that killed Michell Castillo , 25 . Prosecutors claim Simon bribed witnesses , including the wounded 17-year-old .