A Virginia judge has signed off on a prosecutor’s request to withdraw charges against five more people in connection with the 2023 death of Irvo Otieno, a young man who was pinned to the floor for about 11 minutes while being admitted to a state psychiatric hospital.
Judge Joseph Teefy of Dinwiddie Circuit Court on Sunday approved the prosecutor’s motion to nolle prosequi — or effectively drop for now — the case against five sheriff’s deputies, according to court records. The prosecutor could still seek to renew the charges, attorneys involved with the matter said.
The move means prosecutions are now actively pending for just three of the 10 Henrico County deputies and Central State Hospital workers initially charged with second-degree murder in Otieno’s death, which was captured on video that sparked outrage and calls for mental health and law enforcement reforms.
Minnesota legislators consider constitutional amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rights
HKFP Lens: 'Dear Hong Kong' celebrates city's diversity with new photo book
Ukraine war: Six Russian planes destroyed by drones, says Kyiv
Watch: PM Christopher Luxon speaks at post
China's software industry logs steady growth in Q1
New Zealand man killed in suspected hit
Roberto Cavalli: Italian fashion designer dies aged 83
Call it Cognac diplomacy. France offered China’s Xi a special drink, in a wink at their trade spat
Taiwan earthquake rescuers face threat of landslides, rockfalls as death toll at 12
Happy birthday Archie! As the young royal turns five today
Health Minister Shane Reti offers cursory response over smokefree protest