Case dropped in boy's killing

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

Charges have been dropped against two men accused in the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old OKlahoma City boy, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.

Prater said key witnesses were no longer willing to testify about the March 2006 slaying of Mack McCray, who was struck by gunfire as he slept inside his home.

Police believe gang members were aiming for McCray's older brother, who reportedly was a rival gang member.

Just days before their trial, charges against suspects Lamond and Ulyses Simpkins were dropped Friday.

"When people don't cooperate, we don't make our cases and these offenders are out there on the streets continuing to perpetrate their crimes," Prater said.

Sabrina Bryant lives near McCray's home and is part of the neighborhood association fighting to make their streets safe.

"It just made me sick that it happened the way it happened and that no one will be held accountable for this child's death," Bryant said. "Unfortunately, it's a big setback for the progress that we're trying to make within this area."

Leaders of the neighborhood said fear of retaliation should not outweigh justice for McCray.

"I think that's just where we're at in our society that fear will overcome sometimes doing the right thing," Bryant said.

The police investigation into McCray's death remains open, Prater said.