Assault Charge Tossed In Albuquerque Police Shooting Case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors have agreed to drop an aggravated assault charge against a former Albuquerque police officer who is scheduled to stand trial next week in the on-duty shooting death of a homeless man. Former Officer Dominique Perez and now retired Detective Keith Sandy were both charged with second-degree murder and other counts in the death of the 38-year-old James Boyd, who was shot after an hours-long standoff in the Albuquerque foothills. A court filing Tuesday shows Perez's defense attorney and special prosecutor Randi McGinn agreed to have an aggravated assault charge against him dropped. A motion to have an aggravated battery charge against Sandy dismissed will be argued at a hearing this week. Opening statements in the former officers' trial are expected to start Monday.