Murder Charge Dropped Against Massachusetts Man Because of Low IQ
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A Lawrence man accused of beating another man to death outside a bar nine years ago has been freed by a judge who said he had no choice because of the man's low IQ.
Eric Falaradeau was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the October 2000 death of William Beal of Salem, N.H.
Judge Howard Whitehead dropped charges against the 29-year-old Falardeau on Tuesday, saying he would never go to trial because learning disabilities prevent him from understanding the proceedings, and he can't be committed to a psychiatric hospital because he is not considered mentally ill.
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Falardeau's attorney, Raymond Buso, says the judge's decision was correct because his client cannot understand complex things.
An Essex district attorney spokesman called the dismissal "unfortunate."