Murder charge dropped for owner of pit bulls that killed boy in mauling

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Xavier Strickland, 4, was killed in a pit bull attack.

Major developments in the high-profile dog mauling trial Wednesday as the judge drops a murder charge against the dog's owner.

Geneke Lyons still faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and possessing dangerous animals causing death -- he was facing a charge of second degree murder.

The case centers around 4-year-old Xavier Strickland who was killed by a pack of pit bulls back in December.

The prosecution asked the judge to allow the jury to decide on the murder charge first and then revisit the ruling down the road.

"There has been inadequate evidence presented to this court, for that count No. 1 to be submitted to the jury," said Judge Michael Callahan. "And I will not wait for the jury to decide it, I've already done it."

Lyons is choosing not to take the stand in his defense. Closing arguments are set to wrap up Thursday and then the case will go to the jury.