How Do Prosecutors Ignore Evidence in a Murder Trial for Months?

Ignoring evidence for 21 or 22 months seems like malpractice, somehow. MOM WALKS FREE: Prosecutors dump murder charges against mom who shot husband after 5-hour tape backs self-defense

So in October of 2024, Latoya Crabbe killed her estranged husband Curtis Crabbe. There exists an audio recording that covers 5 hours of the day in question. Prosecutors ignored that evidence until August of 2026.

In a statement released this afternoon, the office said prosecutors and investigators from the Manassas City Police Department recently accessed a previously unexamined five-hour audio recording recovered from a digital device seized during the investigation. The recording captured conversations and events immediately leading up to the shooting.

“Following an exhaustive review of the audio and its transcript, the Commonwealth has concluded that the recording introduces significant evidence that a reasonable jury could interpret as supporting a claim of lawful self-defense,” the statement notes

At least she hasn't been in jail, awaiting trial the entire time. She has been free on bond.

So what causes prosecutors to ignore evidence for months? October 2024 until August 2026 is a long time. Because they hate the idea of self-defense, and are happy to ignore anything that might interfere with their case. Well, that is how it seems to me. I'm sure if you asked the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, they would have a more reasonable excuse reason.

At least the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office eventually got to the evidence, and admitted that self-defense is legal in Virginia.