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What's next in the Karen Tipton investigation?

DECATUR, AL (WAFF) - Friday's not guilty verdict for suspect Daniel Wade Moore means the 10-year-old Karen Tipton slaying case remains open.

Authorities said that Moore's verdict doesn't mean the investigation into Tipton's death is back to square one. But it does mean they will listen if new tips come in.

No one was happier to see an end to the 10-year ordeal than Moore on Friday.

"If this isn't reasonable doubt, then reasonable doubt doesn't exist," Moore said upon his release from jail. "And I'm just glad they came and gave a verdict and it wasn't another hung jury. I'm just glad it's over."

But there are still questions, like whether Decatur police will reopen the case. WAFF 48 News asked the department's spokesman, Johnathan Green.

"There wasn't a conviction against Mr. Moorem then officially the case is still open, but nothing's changed from last week and last year," Green said. "To date as to what we believe and who's responsible for the crime."

Green said the verdict was disappointing, especially since it was so long coming.  But, he says, investigators aren't giving up hope.

"What we're gong to do is, if new evidence comes to light we will of course look at that, but this investigation and the process itself has been so long and drawn out we don't anticipate that happening," he said.

Green said investigators can't dwell on the verdict because they still have other cases coming in and they still have a job to do.