Prosecutors dropped hate crime charges against 12 of the 15 Salisbury University students accused of attacking a person due to his sexual orientation, marking a significant legal decision.
The Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office clarified that after reviewing evidence collected, charges were adjusted accordingly, with 12 individuals facing lesser offenses of false imprisonment and second-degree assault.
Defense lawyers for several defendants noted that the most serious charges of hate crimes had been dismissed, reflecting a change in the prosecution's approach to the case.
Among the students, three continue to face hate crime charges, with legal representatives expressing expectations that those charges could also be withdrawn in subsequent hearings.
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