The charges against the man accused of killing a Tulane graduate eight years ago were dropped Tuesday morning.
Ernest Weatherspoon was facing second-degree murder and armed robbery charges in the death of 25-year-old Thomas Rolfes in 2016.
At the time of the incident, Rolfes was fatally shot on Claiborne Avenue while in town planning a wedding.
On the date Weatherspoon was set to go to trial, prosecutors dismissed the charges. The trial was the first cold case brought to court by Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams.
The Orleans DA's Office issued the following statement on the case against Weatherspoon being dropped:
“This decision follows extensive communication and coordination with the victim’s family.
"Our office dedicated significant time and energy, pouring over all the files and evidence available in this cold case that predated our administration. That extensive work led to a Grand Jury indictment of Weatherspoon.
"As we progressed closer to trial, serious issues with a critical witness’s availability arose which threatened the viability of the prosecution. Both we and the family recognized the significance of those challenges, and agreed dismissal was the best course of action at this time.
"Throughout this ordeal, our office has remained engaged with the family, and we will continue to do so. We are not done. We are committed to exhausting all avenues to ensure justice for Mr. Rolfes and this family, who have endured a tremendous loss.”
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