Marquell Banks

The prosecutor in the criminal case for Science Burrus Friday dropped the murder charge, conceding there is no evidence he intentionally shot his friend, Marquell Banks.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pepper substituted new charges of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

Pepper and New Haven Chief Public Defender Thomas Ullmann had been embroiled in a probable cause hearing concerning the murder charge for the past month. In such hearings a judge ultimately decides whether the state has sufficient evidence to lodge the charge.

The two attorneys had been scheduled to present their closing arguments in the case Friday afternoon. But Friday morning Pepper announced his decision, relieving Fasano of the need to rule.

Read New Haven Register's full story on the charges against Burrus.