SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — A Santa Fe man who was facing murder charges is now back on the street.
Joseph Lopez was accused of shooting 28-year-old Pedro Cardoso last month.
Lopez initially told police he was visiting his brother in a field when he was attacked by three men. He claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
According to court documents, the judge said the State failed to disclose material evidence to Lopez’s defense.
That evidence would have been suppressed at a preliminary hearing, so the district attorney said they could not proceed. Although the case has been dismissed, it can be filed again.
