NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has announced it is dismissing charges against a man accused in a 2016 murder cold case.
In May 2016, Tulane graduate Thomas Rolfes was visiting New Orleans when he was robbed and fatally shot.
As WGNO’s Peyton LoCicero Trist reported in 2021, investigators worked on the case for years until it went cold.
On Dec. 16, 2021, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams announced the arrest and indictment of Ernest Weatherspoon.
Weatherspoon was indicted on charges of second-degree murder and armed robbery.
On April 16, the district attorney’s office announced it is dismissing the charges brought against Weatherspoon.
In a statement, district attorney’s office officials said the decision came following extensive analysis of evidence and the availability of a critical witness.
“This decision follows extensive communication and coordination with the victim’s family.
Our office dedicated significant time and energy, pouring over all the files and evidence available in this cold case that predated our administration. That extensive work led to a Grand Jury indictment of Weatherspoon.
As we progressed closer to trial, serious issues with a critical witness’s availability arose which threatened the viability of the prosecution. Both we and the family recognized the significance of those challenges, and agreed dismissal was the best course of action at this time.
Throughout this ordeal, our office has remained engaged with the family, and we will continue to do so. We are not done. We are committed to exhausting all avenues to ensure justice for Mr. Rolfes and this family, who have endured a tremendous loss.”
Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office
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