A Suffolk Superior Court jury today acquitted a Dorchester man of murdering 21-year-old John Paul Torres outside a party on Dudley Street two years ago.

RAFAEL LARA (D.O.B. 3/11/91) had been charged with second-degree murder for allegedly plunging a knife into Torres’ chest at about 3:45 on the morning of May 3, 2009, causing his death in a hospital bed three days later.

Evidence introduced during the two-week trial indicated a chaotic scene following an exchange of words on the third-floor fire escape of 349 Dudley St., where the victim, defendant, and their respective associates were present after a baby shower. In the course of that fight, Lara sustained a head injury and Torres sustained his fatal stab wound. Prosecutors argued that Lara stabbed Torres, then fled the scene; about a month and a half later, he was apprehended in New York by Boston Police and US Marshals.

Jurors deliberated for about two days before finding Lara not guilty. Lara was represented by attorney Martin Leppo. Judge Diane Kottmeyer presided over the case.