From The Tussville Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Charges of capital murder have been dropped against a Trussville man who had been set to stand trial starting on Feb. 18.
WVTM reported that Circuit Judge Tracie Todd denied a motion to continue on Friday. The motion had been filed by Jefferson County District Attorney Kandice Picket. Because of the denial of the motion, the case was dismissed.
An important witness for the state’s case is currently in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Pardons and Parole. According to WVTM, the state would have required 60 days to facilitate the witness’ testimony at trial.
Phileich Antonio Ansley, a 29-year-old black male from Trussville, was charged with capital murder in relation to a shooting event that occurred in February 2015.
According to WVTM, Ansley was allegedly involved in a shooting that developed from an argument outside of the Marks Village housing project. Brittany Nicole Ford, 21, was inside an apartment when the shooting began. Ford moved to the back end of the apartment to get away from the gunfire, but was struck by a bullet that came in through the window. Ford was transported to UAB Hospital and operated on, but later succumbed to her injuries.