A judge has dismissed the charges against a man charged with killing a teenager from Monroe.
The decision upholds the acquittal of Michael Johnson, the prime suspect in the murder of Phylicia Barnes.
Channel 9 has been closely following this case since Barnes disappeared in 2010.
SPECIAL SECTION: Phylicia Barnes
The then 16-year-old was reported missing while she was visiting her family in Baltimore, Maryland.
Her body was later found in a river.
Since then, prosecutors have been trying to prove that Johnson killed her.
Photos of Phylicia Barnes
Police arrested Johnson in 2011.
In February 2013, a jury convicted him of second-degree murder.
But a month later, a judge declared a mistrial, saying that jurors heard evidence that they shouldn't have heard.
A judge dropped all charges against Johnson in January, saying the charges weren't based on sufficient evidence.
The Baltimore state attorney is promising to appeal Thursday's decision.
RELATED:
The decision upholds the acquittal of Michael Johnson, the prime suspect in the murder of Phylicia Barnes.
Channel 9 has been closely following this case since Barnes disappeared in 2010.
SPECIAL SECTION: Phylicia Barnes
The then 16-year-old was reported missing while she was visiting her family in Baltimore, Maryland.
Her body was later found in a river.
Since then, prosecutors have been trying to prove that Johnson killed her.
Photos of Phylicia Barnes
Police arrested Johnson in 2011.
In February 2013, a jury convicted him of second-degree murder.
But a month later, a judge declared a mistrial, saying that jurors heard evidence that they shouldn't have heard.
A judge dropped all charges against Johnson in January, saying the charges weren't based on sufficient evidence.
The Baltimore state attorney is promising to appeal Thursday's decision.
RELATED:
- Judge declares mistrial in Monroe teen's murder case
- Report: Judge drops charges in killing of Union County teen
- Second trial underway in killing of NC teen Phylicia Barnes
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