Murder charges have been dismissed against a man accused of fatally shooting noted community activist David Lewis in 2010.
San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Stephen Hall tossed the murder charge and a related gun charge on Nov. 8. He ruled police inappropriately obtained a confession from Gregory Elarms, 60, and violated his Miranda rights.
District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said his office will review the case to decide whether to appeal the dismissal or file new charges.
Wagstaffe said the case holds particular community interest because of Lewis’ decades of work in East Palo Alto and the Bay Area, advocating for “the downtrodden” and working to reintegrate former inmates and parolees into productive roles in society. A community building was recently named in Lewis’ honor.
“We have to do everything in our power to make sure Mr. Elarms faces justice,” Wagstaffe said