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• Brown & Williamson Cleared in Texas Smoker's Death (Update1) 

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. isn't responsible for a long-time smoker's 1986 death from lung cancer, a Texas jury said today in the first individual tobacco trial in the state.

Following about 10 hours deliberations, the jury in rural Beaumont -- less than two hours drive from Houston and home to several oil and chemical refineries -- voted, 10-2, to deny damages Wiley Grinnell's family. The verdict is the latest in a string of victories for the industry.

``The area around Beaumont is considered plaintiff friendly, making this decision an even more important victory for B&W and the industry,'' said Salomon Smith Barney analyst Martin Feldman. He has a ``buy'' rating on British American Tobacco's American depositary shares. . .

Jurors said they agreed with the tobacco company that Grinnell had adequate warning about the dangers of cigarettes. ``He had opportunities to quit smoking if he wanted to,'' said juror Delcie Thomas.

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