Complaint against Kyle Zoellner dismissed; not held to answer on charges

Judge Dale Reinholtsen explained what the probable cause is and that "the evidence needs to establish sufficient cause that the defendant committed every element of the cause."

After reading legal definitions, Judge Reinholtsen said, "I have reviewed the evidence submitted. It has been somewhat confusing and contradictory."

"This event took place April 15, approximately 16 days ago. That is not adequate time for testing all the physical evidence; only a handful of approximately 100 people were interviewed."
"I am not suggesting anyone is not being truthful. " Judge Reinholtsen said part of the reason the testimony was confusing and contradictory was that it was at a party, there were different levels of sobriety, very traumatic and emotional events occurred.

Judge Reinholtsen ruled there was not sufficient evidence  to hold Kyle Zoellner to answer for the murder of David Josiah Lawson or to find the special allegation true, as charged. The complaint was dismissed.

Judge Reinholtsen said, "This is not to say that evidence will not be developed in the future."

"Obviously we know Mr. Lawson was killed; stabbed to death; by someone at that party."

He gave a fairly lengthy explaination on the evidence he reviewed and said his ruling was based on evidence presented at this time.

Judge Reinholtsen concluded by saying, "As already expressed by both attorneys, given the emotions and trauma of this case, " he gave credit to the way everyone testified and said it "spoke to their credibility."

After the ruling, some people supporting Zoellner cheered briefly. Mostly, everyone left the courtroom quietly.