Charges were dropped today against the San Miguel man accused of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his wife.
The District Attorney's Office decided not to re-try John Aaron Norris after a recent trial resulted in a hung jury.
Published: 11:36 am Wednesday, Jul. 28, 2010
Updated: 11:36 am Wednesday, Jul. 28, 2010
Charges dropped against San Miguel man accused of shooting wife
"It doesn't bring Tasha (Norris) back," said Ilan Funke-Bilu, his attorney. "It's bittersweet, but we're gratified that the DA did the right thing. It's time to move ahead."
The trial resulted in nine jurors voting in favor of not guilty and three in favor of guilty. A jury must all agree for a verdict to be rendered, and in cases of a hung jury, the DA has the right to re-try the case.
Norris also was charged with possession of an illegal firearm and the jury was deadlocked with the same vote count on that allegation. The DA dropped that charge today as well.
The involuntary manslaughter case hinged on whether Norris' shooting was criminally negligent or whether the gun went off accidentally in his attempt to secure it and struck his wife.
Norris, 25, was not present in court.
--Nick Wilson
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