A New Mexico judge has dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges but retained murder counts against two Albuquerque police officers who shot and killed a homeless man last year.
Judge Neil Candelaria said Wednesday the manslaughter counts were not applicable.
However, he denied a motion by defense attorneys at the preliminary hearing to dismiss murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery charges.
The developments came after the state rested its case against police Officer Dominique Perez and former Detective Keith Sandy at the hearing to determine if the case will go to trial.
Perez and Sandy shot and killed James Boyd in March 2014. Police say Boyd threatened officers with knives.
The defense has started calling witnesses to the stand.
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