NEWARK, N.J., July 29 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in Newark, N.J., have filed criminal charges against Reginald Roe for recanting in court a prior claim that he had witnessed a gang killing.
Roe had initially told Newark prosecutors he had witnessed a 2004 gang-related killing and had even sworn to that effect before a grand jury. But he now faces charges for drastically changing his story once being called to testify, The New York Times said Sunday.
While Roe had even identified two suspects in the killing prior to his testimony, the 27-year-old suddenly alleged he never saw the fatal shooting or the perpetrators behind it.
The two suspects were eventually acquitted on all charges and later were implicated in two other homicides.
Essex County prosecutor Paula Dow said local authorities are attempting to make a point by charging Roe with making a false statement.
"Without reliable witnesses, a criminal justice system just can't function," Dow said. "So the public has to know that for us to help them, they have to be willing to testify. And if they testify untruthfully, there will be consequences."
