Prosecutors dismissed a capital murder charge against "preppy bandit" Adam Galli on Wednesday for lack of evidence.
Galli, a fugitive of the charge until July, was accused in the 1992 shooting death and aggravated robbery of Green Parrot cook Merritt Riordan. He also faces trial on five robbery charges that could put him in prison for life."This case always seems to be shifting, so we're not counting out the idea that we could still refile in the future. We just don't have it right now," said John Spikes, Salt Lake deputy district attorney.
Galli seemed relieved by the decision when it was announced in court. But his defense attorney, Lisa Remal, said he was quiet after the ruling. "Even if he said anything, we wouldn't tell you," she told a reporter.
Prosecutors had hoped for cooperation in the case from Galli's cousin, Nathan, who wrote a letter to a judge this summer indicating his desire to help the state "build a stronger case" against Adam Galli. Nathan, along with Christopher and Aaron Galli, are all serving time for their roles in a string of robberies of several Salt Lake area businesses.
Nathan Galli wrote in his June 23 letter to 3rd District Judge Pat Brian that he "was not strong enough to do what I believed was right" when prosecutors asked him to testify against his cousins three years ago.
He, apparently, wasn't serious or isn't yet ready to take the stand in the Riordan case.
Spikes said he could not discuss Nathan's role, if any, in his office's decision to dismiss the charge against Adam Galli.
"We're still talking with several people, and I just can't comment about the evidence in the case," he said.
It is the second time the district attorney's office has dismissed murder charges against someone for the death of Riordan on May 17, 1992. Prosecutors originally charged Aaron Galli, who was subsequently convicted by a jury partly on the word of the youngest Galli, Christopher.
But a judge ordered a new trial after the verdict because Christopher Galli recanted his testimony in private conversations. Following the judge's decision, the DA's office dismissed the charge, hoping to avoid double jeopardy.
Spikes said Riordan's parents "weren't happy" about the dismissal Wednesday but said they understood the difficulties of the case.