Murder charge dropped against Flores; defendant released in Royal Inn stabbing case

◼ Murder charge dropped against Flores; defendant released in Royal Inn stabbing case - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

William Flores was scheduled to appear in Humboldt County Superior Court for a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to hold him to stand trial on a charge that he fatally stabbed Eureka resident Joshua Burrell, 33, but prosecutors dropped the murder charge and a special allegation that the slaying was carried out in association with a criminal street gang.

”We got some information based on further investigation that has us looking at some additional suspects,” prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Élan Firpo said. “I think we should wait until we have some more information before we proceed. The cleanest thing to do at this time is to dismiss and, if need be, refile (the case) at a later time.”