Charges Dropped For Man Accused Of Killing Avondale Toddler

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The capital murder chargers brought against a man accused of shooting a toddler in Avondale were dismissed Friday. Joshua Isaiah Carpenter, 22, was previously charged with capital murder and two counts of attempted murder in an August shooting that resulted in the death of 2-year-old Ron'Narius "Duke" Austin and the injury of two others.

The charges were thrown out Friday morning by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Virginia Vinson after prosecutors filed a motion for dismissal Thursday.

The three other men involved in the shooting, Tyrone Smith Jr., 18; D'Marcco Harris, 21; and Mykayl Harris, 20, remain charged after being denied youthful offender status. Cousins D'Marcco and Mykayl Harris were indicted on three counts of capital murder and two of attempted murder, and Smith was indicted on two counts of capital murder and two of attempted murder.