A judge has thrown out a felony indictment against a former Georgia prosecutor, ending her trial on charges that she abused her power to protect the men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery in 2020.

The trial involving Jackie Johnson concluded unexpectedly, with the judge dropping the final charge before the jury could reach a verdict. Johnson had been accused of hindering the investigation into Ahmaud Arbery’s murder and violating her oath of office.

Frankly, this is a decision I didn’t want to make,” the judge told attorneys in the courtroom Wednesday. But he said he felt the defense’s challenge to the indictment against the former Glynn County DA “needs to be granted.

Jones, told First Coast News she's "in shock," while Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, said the judge's decision is "devastating."

On the Glynn County Courthouse’s steps Wednesday, Ahmaud Arbery’s mother made an impassioned promise. “The fight continues,” said Wanda Cooper-Jones. “We still run with Ahmaud.” Her comments came soon after a judge dismissed all counts against Jackie Johnson,