(Sandy Giordano/Beaver County Radio)

At a hearing in Beaver County Central Court before District Justice Ed Howe this morning, a criminal homicide charge was dropped against Michael Barbuto, 18, of Center Township, in connection with his brother’s death on the evening of July 15 in Hopewell Township. A key witness was to testify and refused, and was held in contempt of court.

The investigation is continuing. Stay tuned to Beaver County Radio for further development on this ongoing story.