Md. murder attempt charge dropped

A 67-year-old Maryland man originally accused of trying to kill his longtime companion by ramming his Jeep into trash trailers appears to have actually been trying to help her commit suicide, officials said Wednesday.

"It would certainly appear that it was an effort for a dual suicide," said William D. Roessler, an Anne Arundel Deputy State's Attorney. The determination came after further investigation and victim interviews, Anne Arundel County Police said.

Kristin Fleckenstein, a spokeswoman for Anne Arundel prosecutors, said the initial charges were appropriate given the initial information.

But additional details led to dropping of attempted murder charges against Henry Hutchins, 67, of Silver Spring, she said.

Officials said charges reflecting attempted assisted suicide, as well as traffic offenses, may be filed.

Roessler said his office is looking into possible attempted assisted suicide charges. He said that it was his understanding that Hutchins was hurt worse than his companion.

-- Dan Morse