In a surprise decision by the judge. Pinellas judge brandt Downey dropped the attempted murder charges against Michael saroukos yesterday. Here's Newschannel 8's murv seymour with reaction to the ruling and what it could mean for the other defendants. The ruling brings tears of joy and hugs to family and friends of Michael saroukos. Now, acquitted of attempted second degree murder in the shovel beating of Louis collado and jodi Daniel.
Doctors say both men have brain damage from the attack.
Saroukas says faith and his overall innocence has led to this emotional day of being cleared. After the ruling, the stepfather of victim Louis collado seems hardly surprised at the judges decision. But when it comes to suspects Chris stamas and theo mamouzelos, peter capilli expects a different outcome that will come with penalties. While saroukos walks away vindicated of any criminal charges, the road to freedom may be more difficult for the remaining two suspects who face between 15 and 30 years in prison if convicted. In Pinellas county murv seymour Newschannel.