In a sudden turn of events, a high-profile murder case against an Orange County man accused of killing an accused rape fugitive has been dropped.

David Carlson was arrested last year after fatally shooting Norris Accosta-Sanchez, an accused rapist, in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun. His defense maintained that he was trying to help police.

On Thursday, an Orange County judge threw out the year-old case after evidence surfaced that state police testimony did not include the 41-year-old's recorded statements that he shot Norris Accosta-Sanchez, who had escaped police capture, out of self-defense.

Despite the decision, Carlson's legal troubles may not be over. His defense says the judge's decision could be appealed and that other charges could still be filed against him.