Murder charge dropped in 1995 case

AUSTIN (AP) - A capital murder charge has been dropped against a man sought for years over the 1995 killing of a Central Texas neighbor.

Prosecutors in Austin on Wednesday dismissed the count against 45-year-old Luis Reyes. Reyes was arrested in 2010 near Houstonn on a DWI charge.

The case involves the August 1995 beating death and robbery of Simon Urdiera. Reyes disappeared after a warrant was issued in October 1995.

A judge Wednesday ruled that statements Reyes gave police before he fled were secured in violation of his rights. Prosecutors also cited a lack of physical evidence. Some witnesses have died or been deported.

The Austin American-Statesman reports Reyes is in the U.S. illegally and remains in custody for immigration agents.

Defense attorney Guillermo Gonzalez said Reyes is from Central America.