Murder charge dismissed in Pine Bluff trial

Associated Press - November 18, 2009 10:24 AM ET

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) - A first-degree murder charge against a Pine Bluff man was dismissed after prosecutors questioned the reliability of 1 of their witnesses.

The charge against Frederick Washington was dismissed Tuesday after prosecutors rested their case. Washington was charged in the May 19, 2008, shooting death of 29-year-old Erron Tolbert.

Prosecuting Attorney Steve Dalrymple says a witness' statements were called into question - but he declined to elaborate.

Defense attorney Greg Robinson says he doesn't know what exactly led to the dismissal.

Prosecutors say the charge against Washington is being dismissed and that no one else would immediately be charged.

Information from: Pine Bluff Commercial, http://www.pbcommercial.com