Jackson, CA…The Amador County District Attorney’s Office announced yesterday that murder and attempted murder charges against Volcano resident, Jeffrey Johnston, 66, have been dropped at this time due to insufficient evidence. Johnston was charged with the murder of Volcano resident Vanessa Plew, 39, and the attempted murder of Jared Wilkinson, 44.

District Attorney Todd Riebe said that ever since Johnston was arrested and charged with murder, the investigation had been ongoing. “We have received evidence on a continuance basis from the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, the Public Defender, District Attorney Investigators, and the California Department of Justice (DOJ),” Riebe said. It was the recent examination and analysis of physical evidence by DOJ that convinced prosecutors that the tide and weight of the evidence had changed such that it was no longer possible to prove Johnston guilty of murder to a unanimous jury beyond a reasonable doubt. “Whenever you no longer believe that you can prove your case to the jury, you are ethically and professionally obligated to dismiss, no matter how serious the charges may be,” Riebe stated.

“We want to assure Vanessa’s family and friends that the investigation into her murder will continue. We will find justice for Vanessa and hold whomever is responsible for her death accountable,” Riebe added. Anyone with evidence relevant to the murder of Vanessa Plew is encouraged to contact the Amador County District Attorney’s Office at (209) 223-6444.