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Case Dropped Against Men Suspected In Cousin's Slaying

Two men charged with fatally shooting their cousin near Roswell last year are now free.

A judge dropped murder charges against Domingo and Angel Martinez on Wednesday after the only witness changed his testimony.

Prosecutors say both men drove around with 21-year-old Fabian Ward on Dec. 1 before shooting him to death.

The suspects' uncle initially told authorities he witnessed the incident. But during the preliminary hearing, the uncle said he hadn't been present.

Chaves County Sheriff Britt Snyder called the witness' changed testimony a disappointment. But Snyder says the case is still active and charges can still be re-filed.

Relatives of the defendants and the victim got into an altercation outside after. Deputies say the victim's father, Fabian Ward Sr., was arrested for disorderly conduct.

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