Murder Charges Dropped Against Five Deputies in Irvo Otieno Case

A Virginia judge has dismissed murder charges against five deputies involved in the death of Irvo Otieno, sparking widespread calls for justice and potential federal intervention.

The charges were dropped due to strategic concerns about trial dates set by the previous prosecutor, leading to a significant reduction in the number of defendants.
Irvo Otieno died from asphyxiation during a restraint incident at a Virginia psychiatric hospital, with the death ruled a homicide.
Otieno's family, represented by attorney Benjamin Crump, has vocally opposed the dismissals and urged the Justice Department to intervene.
Despite the legal setbacks, Otieno's family secured an $8.5 million settlement in a civil case, though the involved parties denied liability.
Charges remain against two deputies and one hospital worker, with their trials scheduled for later this year.