Charge revoked for suspect in Mexico student disappearance

MEXICO CITY – An appeals court in Mexico has revoked organized crime charges against one of the key suspects in the disappearance of 43 college students two years ago, after the man claimed he was tortured by police and soldiers.

The court ordered a lower court judge to re-assess whether Sidronio Casarrubias should be tried on the charges. It told the judge to investigate his claim of being tortured.

Casarrubias is an alleged leader of the Guerreros Unidos gang, which the government alleges killed the students in September 2014 and incinerated the bodies.

Prosecutors said Wednesday the ruling does not free Casarrubias, because he faces two other charges for weapons possession and drug trafficking.