E2 Charges Dropped

Involuntary manslaughter charges against E2 nightclub owner Dwain Kyles stemming from the 2003 stampede tragedy have been dropped this afternoon by Cook County prosecutors. The dismissal comes on the heels of last year's acquittal of Kyles' three co-defendants. According to the A.P., "Wednesday's dismissal follows an appellate court's upholding of the same judge's ruling not to allow prosecutors to introduce a Housing Court order as evidence at Kyles' trial. The order was issued before the stampede and required E2 to close because of code violations. The judge, however, said it was vague." Still no word on co-owner Calvin Hollins, Jr.'s lawsuit against the city.