By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 6, 2016

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - A south-central Kansas judge has abruptly halted trial for a man who had been accused of causing a deadly 2012 wreck, ruling prosecutors failed to sufficiently prove the defendant was impaired at the time.

The Hutchinson News (https://bit.ly/1Xhqb1c) reports Reno County District Judge Trish Rose on Wednesday granted a defense request for an acquittal in 46-year-old Troy Meitler’s trial. The prosecution had just wrapped up its case.

Rose ruled that prosecutors failed to show beyond a reasonable doubt that Meitler of Halstead was under the influence of drugs during the 2012 head-on crash that killed 49-year-old Brian Bush of Plevna.

Meitler was charged with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery and driving under the influence.

Andrew Davidson, a prosecutor, demanded a mistrial after Rose’s ruling Wednesday.

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Information from: The Hutchinson (Kan.) News, https://www.hutchnews.com

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