Yes, they did what they were instructed to do. In today's world they want a CSI moment where there is unquestionable proof. Circumstantial cases are much harder to get a conviction from a jury. I often have a hard time with the rational of judges that disallowed certain evidence into a trial. Often times I have been on jury duty only to find afterward just how guilty a defendant is (once lawyers are free to speak to jurors).

The legal system works. It is not foolproof, nor do jurors always get it right. THIS time they got it wrong (IMO & most of America’s Opinion).

Accidental drowning cover-up? Why use duct tape on a dead body?
No concern for a missing child?
80+ Chloroform searches on Google?
The smell in the trunk of her car?
Jail conversations with parents (Not consistent with cover-up)
Partying?
Bella Villa tattoo (Beautiful Life) days after your child is missing?
The list just goes on and on......

Death penalty- NO
Guilty- Definately!