Murder charges against Charles Richard Dobson, Jr. (pictured right) in the stabbing death of Folly Beach, South Carolina surfer Craig Massey were dropped today before a hearing was even held.
The case was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday to determine whether there was sufficient probable cause to bring the matter to trial. Instead, the hearing was canceled and the charges dismissed. . . . Andy Savage, one of Dobson’s lawyers, said the Solicitor’s Office made the right call, much to the relief of Dobson and his family. “We’re certainly not surprised by the action taken by the solicitor, which we think was appropriate.”
Dobson, who is from a prominent area family, claimed he acted in self defense.
Massey’s friend were not happy by the dismissal.
It’s very disappointing, and I don’t think it’s right that (Dobson) was let off with no accountability at all,” said Nancy Hussey, a friend of Massey and director of the Eastern Surfing Association. “This whole thing is just really sad. It’s such a tragedy.”
Some say the entire altercation was because of a love triangle between the two men and a 19-year-old girl named Mary Whilden Hills.
[Link: Charleston.net]
