A murder case tied to one of Guam’s most disturbing crimes has been dismissed — at least for now. 

Manny Sablan Murciano Junior, accused of killing and dismembering Stevy Alvarez Villanueva in 2022, walked out of court today after Superior Court Judge Maria Cenzon granted prosecutors’ request to dismiss the case without prejudice.

Prosecutors told the court they cannot proceed without key witnesses — one has died, and two others have left the island and cannot be found. That leaves them unable to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Murciano had asserted his right to a speedy trial, with the clock set to run out later this month. Prosecutors said they could not compel the witnesses to return by then.

Judge cenzon acknowledged the severity of the charges but ordered murciano’s release. Because the dismissal is without prejudice, prosecutors can refile the case at any time in the future — as there is no statute of limitations on the charge of murder.

Murciano’s defense did not object. For now, the case is formally closed.