A 16-year-old accused of murder in Hood River has been released from custody after a judge ruled that prosecutors failed to properly share key evidence with the defense.
The case centers on a January 17 fatal shooting at an apartment complex in Hood River. During a recent hearing, Circuit Judge Karen Ostrye determined that the prosecution, led by Matthew Ellis, did not comply with court-ordered evidence disclosure requirements.
According to the judge, the discovery violations were serious enough to negatively impact the teen’s ability to prepare a defense.
“I do find that the discovery violations have been significant and the defendant has been prejudiced by those,” Ostrye said in court.
As a result of the ruling, the teen was released from jail while awaiting trial. The decision marks an unusual and pointed rebuke of the prosecution in a serious criminal case.
The case is expected to continue as legal proceedings move forward.
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