LOCAL : Murder Charges Dismissed Against L.A. Deputy in Prostitutes’ Slayings
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Murder charges against Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputy Rickey Ross were dismissed today at the request of prosecutors, who cited new ballistics tests that cast doubt on earlier forensics evidence linking Ross’ gun to the slayings of three South-Central Los Angeles prostitutes.
Ross, 40, could have faced the death penalty if convicted. After his arrest Feb. 23, a police statement said ballistics tests positively identified the gun found in the trunk of his car as the weapon used to kill the women. But tests completed last week on behalf of both the prosecution and the defense team were inconclusive, officials said.
The 18-year veteran was to be released from the Los Angeles County Jail in the mid-afternoon.
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