PHOENIX -- The death of former Phoenix Suns player Johnny High led a judge Tuesday to dismiss drug conspiracy charges against three defendants in the Suns drug case.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan dismissed one charge of conspiracy to transfer or sell cocaine against former Sun Mike Bratz, nightclub manager James Jordan and waiter Terrance Kelly.
In issuing the ruling, Ryan said there is no longer sufficient evidence to prosecute the charges because attorneys cannot cross-examine High. The three men still face additional drug charges.
High died early Saturday when his sports car rammed a utility pole at a Phoenix intersection. Tests showed High was legally drunk at the time of the accident.
In addition, Ryan agreed to take under advisement motions to force release of the medical and psychiatric records of Phoenix guard Walter Davis, lift a gag order and allow cameras in the courtroom.
Last month, Ryan prohibited the 12 defendants, attorneys, investigators, law-enforcement officers and potential witnesses from publicly discussing the case.
