A North Las Vegas man facing murder charges celebrated a significant legal victory Thursday after prosecutors agreed to dismiss an additional charge of jaywalking in the commission of a crime.

The defendant had allegedly crossed East Cheyanne Blvd outside a designated crosswalk while fleeing the scene of the murder he is accused of committing. Defense attorneys argued that traffic was light, visibility was excellent, and their client “looked both ways.”

After reviewing surveillance footage, prosecutors conceded that pursuing the pedestrian violation would not serve the interests of justice.

“This is a complete vindication,” defense attorney Martin Feldman told reporters. “From the beginning, my client has maintained that while he may have made several questionable decisions that evening, his pedestrian conduct was fundamentally responsible.”

The murder charge remains pending.

Family members described the ruling as “a huge weight lifted,” while prosecutors stressed that dropping the jaywalking count should not be interpreted as weakening their overall case.

Outside the courthouse, the defendant declined to discuss the murder allegations but offered a brief statement.

“Today,” he said, “the system worked.”

He then waited for the WALK signal before crossing the street.