Prosecutors have dropped charges against four Pace University football players who were arrested after their teammate was fatally shot by a police officer.
Prosecutors had said convicting the four would "not serve the ends of justice."
They say the defendants' actions following the Oct. 17 shooting of 20-year-old Danroy Henry resulted from "youthful visceral reactions to the sudden, unexpected shooting of their friend."
Three had been accused of misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct and obstruction. One was accused of criminal mischief.
Teammate Joseph Romanick said after the charges were dropped Thursday that he was "very relieved," and Joseph Garcia said he feels "great."
"I don't have to worry about a record," Garcia said.
Henry's mother said after the hearing that the four young men "tried to save their dying friend."
Defense lawyers said they will proceed with a civil suit against several departments, including Mount Pleasant police.
A grand jury recently declined to indict the police officer who fatally shot Henry as he drove away from a bar in Thornwood, just north of New York City.
The U.S. Department of Justice is examining the police shooting.
