WEST POINT — A judge has dismissed a murder count filed against Robert Rupert in the 1994 death of Carlos Carr.
The Daily Times Leader reports the charge was dismissed Thursday at the request of prosecutors during a hearing in Clay County Circuit Court.
Prosecutors say witnesses who could have testified in the trial have died, have disappeared or do not remember what they said in previous statements in the case.
The judge did not rule on a motion to suppress statements Rupert made to officers after his arrest in 2009.
Rupert is charged with capital murder and aggravated assault in an alleged 2003 murder-for-hire shooting death of Roosevelt Pernell III and the wounding of Pernell”s brother, Cedric.
His trial is set for April 11.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.