Md. Prosecutors Drop Charges In Shooting Death

Montgomery County prosecutors have dropped murder charges against a Silver Spring man, saying the killing was legally justified because his victim was pointing a gun at another man's head. Assistant State's Attorney Peter Feeney told the judge Tuesday that the murder case was over, but Larry Lamont, 27, faces new gun charges. Under Maryland law, defendants charged with murder can offer a "defense of others" argument, similar to self-defense. Law enforcement officials say Marcus Duffin, 27, had fired six rounds and was standing within several feet of the third man. Lamont cooperated with authorities and after they heard from Lamont and the third man involved and learned of Duffin's background, investigators dropped the charges.