SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — A South Carolina judge has officially dismissed the murder case against Michael Colucci, who faced allegations of killing his wife in 2015. The ruling from Judge Roger Young means that the indictment is void without prejudice, preventing any retrial unless a new indictment is issued by a grand jury.
The motion to dismiss was presented by Colucci’s defense team and raised concerns about alleged misconduct within the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The defense claimed that critical evidence, which could have influenced the case, was not disclosed. They asserted that the evidence included details about Sara Colucci’s reported struggles with suicidal ideation over the previous decade.
During the hearing, Barbara Moore, Sara’s mother, testified that her daughter had expressed suicidal thoughts but decided against them due to her family’s support. Moore recounted that Sara had confided in a law enforcement agent, stating she might have taken her own life if not for her family’s presence, emphasizing that she would never act on such thoughts because of them.
The testimony raised substantial questions about how the potential exculpatory evidence was handled during the initial investigation. Former prosecutor Megan Burchstead also testified, stating she was unaware of this crucial narrative until recently and expressed disbelief upon learning about Sara’s reported mental health struggles.
The dismissal of the case marks a significant development not only for Colucci but also highlights potential systemic issues regarding how evidence is shared and utilized in serious criminal cases.
This case, which has drawn significant public interest, remains under scrutiny, and further developments are anticipated.
The situation continues to evolve, and updates are expected as the legal landscape unfolds.
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