A Stanislaus County judge dismissed murder charges against a former Stanislaus County sheriff’s detective accused of killing one of her tenants.
Kari Abbey was accused of shooting a killing Rita Elias in September 2010. Initial reports said the two got into a fight about rent payments. Witnesses said Elias had a BB gun, which caused Abbey to open fire with a real gun.
The shooting was initially ruled as self defense, but a few weeks later other witnesses said Abbey was attacking Elias.
Abbey’s Defense Attorney Michael Rains said the judge dismissed charges of manslaughter, murder and stolen property.
Rains said Abbey still faces charges of conspiracy, embezzlement, growing marijuana and child endangerment.
Those charges are a product of a DA search of Abbey’s home, where investigators found counterfeit money, a marijuana growing operation, and loaded firearms where children were present.
Abbey will be arraigned on the remaining charges on Jan. 23, where she will enter a not guilty plea.
