Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — During a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon, Magisterial District Judge Kevin Price dismissed charges, without prejudice, against a Johnstown grandmother accused of causing the death of her 3-month-old grandson.
Citing the available testimony at the hearing and recent changes in the hearsay laws, Judge Price dismissed the sole count of child endangerment, without prejudice, against 40-year-old Peggy Lightcap.
Lightcap was charged last month following an investigation into the death of the infant child, who investigators say died as a result of a methadone overdose.
Authorities later clarified that, despite the coroner's ruling, they could not "prove" that the child's death was a direct result of being exposed to the methadone.
The Cambria County DA's office has the option to refile the charges against Lightcap.
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