Trill Entertainment executives Melvin Vernell Jr. and Marcus Roach are no longer facing criminal charges after the case was dropped according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Monday (March 8), a judge ruled that due to prosecutors lack of action to try the pair on the charges of attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery and illegal use of weapons; all charges were dismissed allowing the two execs to avoid facing a mandatory sentence.
Vernell and Roach were charged with attempted-second degree murder after allegedly shooting local rapper Bruce “Beelow” Moore on July 4, 2005 in front of his store, Shop Smart Music and Fashion.
According to sources, Beelow was shot because his store was allegedly bootlegging music by artists on the Trill label, including Baton Rogue rapper Lil Boosie.
Since May of 2008, both men have been free on $350,000 bond and under house arrest from 7PM – 7AM.
Beelow, who returned fire in the altercation, survived the shooting. Prosecutors are expected to appeal the ruling.
