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Judge Dismisses Murder Charge Against 2 In Fireman's Death

DETROIT (AP) — A judge has dismissed a murder charge against two of three people accused in the fatal beating of a 59-year-old Detroit firefighter who was just months from retirement.

The judge on Thursday said there wasn't enough evidence to show Nicole Oneill and Christian Rasnick knew what was likely to happen to David Madrigal last December.

Madrigal's body was found by his son. His house had been ransacked, and his SUV was stolen and left burning in an alley.

[MORE: Firefighter's Son Testifies About Finding Father's 'Ice Cold' Body]

Judge Kenneth King says he can't let emotions trump the law, even if the three are "scum." A third person, Tim Soto, will face trial on a murder charge. He's accused of delivering the fatal blow.

The Wayne County prosecutor plans to appeal King's decision.

 

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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