WASHINGTON COUNTY — The judge presiding over the Washington County trial of a 22-year-old Okawville man dismissed charges today of drug-induced homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance against the defendant as the jury trial continues on the remaining two charges.

Shane R. Lindsay was originally accused of providing the fentanyl-laced drugs that resulted in the January 1 overdose death of 18-year-old Dakota Ellerbusch in his family’s private clubhouse in rural Washington County.

Lindsay was facing felony charges of drug-induced homicide in addition to obstruction of justice by destroying evidence, concealment of a death, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, and involuntary manslaughter.

However, the jury will now only have obstruction of justice and concealment of a death to consider when they’re handed the case for deliberation.

The judge ruled Monday on a defense motion for a directed verdict that there was no evidence admitted in the case that Lindsay gave Ellerbusch fentanyl, that fentanyl was in the teen’s system or that the fentanyl caused the teen’s death.

The defense is expected to begin presenting its Monday.

Emily Rensing told jurors last week that she knew Ellerbusch was overdosing, but she didn’t call for medical help because she was afraid of Lindsay, her boyfriend at the time.