Mamadou Diallo had been charged with manslaughter for killing a man who ripped off his wife's clothes.
Charges have been dropped against a 61-year-old New York cab driver who beat to death his wife’s would-be rapist.
Mamadou Diallo walked from court a free man Wednesday after prosecutors threw out assault and weapon possession charges against him at the urging of the dead man’s family.
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The Bronx man had originally been charged with manslaughter in the May killing of Earl Nash, 43, who police said forced his way into the couple’s home and attacked Nenegale Diallo. He ripped off her clothes and pulled his pants down, authorities said.
The woman’s sister, who had been in a back bedroom of the apartment of the apartment, came running and was able to stop the attack, police said.
The victim phoned her husband, who arrived in time to catch Nash as he was fleeing, according to prosecutors. As the men struggled, Diallo hit Nash in the head with a tire iron.
The man died shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. An autopsy determined his death was caused by several factors including complications from his injuries, cocaine intoxication and heart disease.
“This case was a tragedy for all whose lives intersected in that Bronx building on the night of May 30, 2016,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. “We waited for three months for the autopsy results, and after a thorough investigation as well as discussions with the deceased’s family, we have determined that no grand jury action is warranted,” WCBS-TV reported.
Applause briefly erupted in the courtroom after her statements.
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Nash’s relatives said he suffered from untreated bipolar disorder. The bottom had dropped out of his life, they said.
“As a family we pray that Mrs. Diallo and family may recover from the unfortunate trauma they’ve experienced. While we cannot [undo] the damage that was done that evening, we hope to bring some closure not only to our family but to the Diallo family as well,” Nash’s family said in a statement.
Nenegale Diallo told the station she was “really, really happy today because it’s a surprise to me.”
Diallo’s taxi license had been revoked after the incident. It was reinstated Wednesday.
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