The trial involving Jackie Johnson concluded unexpectedly, with the judge dropping the final charge before the jury could reach a verdict. Johnson had been accused of hindering the investigation into Ahmaud Arbery’s murder and violating her oath of office.

Family and friends of Ahmaud Arbery expressed their disappointment Wednesday following a judge’s decision to end the trial of a former Georgia prosecutor who was accused of using her influence to protect the men who chased and killed the 25-year-old in February 2020.

Senior Judge John R. Turner on Monday ordered Johnson acquitted of a misdemeanor count of obstructing police. Turner ruled after prosecutors rested their case, declaring they failed to show “one scintilla of evidence” that Johnson had directed police investigators not to arrest the man who shot Arbery.