The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported on Sunday:

A circuit judge dismissed a 2020 murder case last week and said the Circuit Attorney's Office "abandoned its duty" after St. Louis prosecutors failed three times to show for court hearings or respond to a court order to produce evidence.

Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser on Wednesday dismissed first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful gun possession charges against Brandon Campbell, 30, after no one from the Circuit Attorney's Office showed up for scheduled hearings in May, June and July.

"The court does not take this action without significant consideration for the implications it may have for public safety," Sengheiser wrote in his order. "Although presumed innocent, (Campbell) has been charged with the most serious of crimes. While the court has a role to play in protecting public safety, that role must be balanced with adherence to the law and the protection of the rights of the defendant."