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Charges dropped against suspect in 2016 cold case slaying of Tulane graduate

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Charges have been dismissed against a suspect in the 2016 cold case slaying of a 25-year-old Tulane University graduate who was visiting New Orleans to plan his wedding. The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office said issues arose with a critical witness’s availability, resulting in the charges being dropped against Ernest Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon had been charged with second-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the death of Thomas Rolfes of St. Louis, who was found shot to death May 7, 2016, at an intersection after leaving a bar. Defense attorney John Fuller says his client was ecstatic at the news and looked forward to going home soon. Weatherspoon has been in jail since his arrest in December 2021.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

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