Nicholas Powers is a free man after Sussex County Prosecutors agreed to drop all charges against him...for now. The 26 year old from Hopatcong confessed to smothering his girlfriend's mother to death with a pillow in May of 2020. The case against him then took a major turn after a psychologist who evaluated Powers said this was likely "a crime that never happened." The psychologist was hired by prosecutors. Powers has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Which could explain why he confessed to a crime he might not have committed. Asperger's is a developmental disorder which could have lead him to go along with suggestions from investigators.
Yesterday Superior Court Judge Michael Gaus dismissed the charges against Powers "without prejudice." Which means the prosecutor's office can continue to investigate the case. Then re-file charges if more evidence comes to light. Patricia Owen died in her bedroom on May 16th 2020 after police said she was smothered by a pillow.
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