Prosecutors have set aside all the charges against a Staunton man accused of shooting a pit bull during a home invasion.
A possible life sentence loomed for 30-year-old James Lamont Miller who had been charged with a 6 felony and misdemeanor counts.
But for the third time, the only witness to the alleged crimes failed to show up for court, and prosecutors were forced to set their case aside.
After the hearing, owner Shannon Baber said his pit bull has never been the same. The 2-year-old named "Boss" was shot in the chest during the home-invasion burglary in July.
Baber says the pit bull has been more aggressive, and was declared a "dangerous animal" after biting someone last fall. As the dog's owner, Baber was given a suspended jail term, and he's since moved out of Staunton.
After news of the dog shooting last summer, supporters rallied and raised money to help pay Boss's vet bills. As for the criminal case, prosecutors do have the option of reinstating the charges if they can find their key witness and convince him to testify.
