BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (AP) - Prosecutors have dropped charges against one of two brothers thought to be involved in a fatal shooting in Amherst last fall.
Soksot Chham, of New Salem, had been charged as an accessory in the Oct. 15 shooting death of Jose Rodriguez at an apartment complex.
Prosecutors said in their motion to dismiss that the state would “not be able to sustain its respective burdens” to prove its case, and the brothers’ relationship offers a defense.
His brother, Soknang Chham, has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the case. He is being held without bail.
The brothers were apprehended in Arizona about 10 days after the shooting.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive but people who know them say the Chhams and Rodriguez had been friends.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.