SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — After Alabama medical examiners reported in their autopsy that Cassie Carli’s cause and manner of death was “undetermined,” the case against her ex-boyfriend Marcus Spanevelo has been closed, according to court records.
Spanevelo’s trial was set to begin Monday, Oct. 17, but updated court records show prosecutors have filed a Nolle Prosequi. Nolle prosequi is a Latin phrase meaning “will no longer prosecute” or a variation on the same. It amounts to a dismissal of charges by the prosecution.
Spanevelo was charged in Santa Rosa County, Fla., for tampering with evidence, giving false information concerning a missing persons investigation and destruction of evidence. Spanevelo still has a hold for charges out of St. Clair County.
In court records filed at 6:04 p.m., Thursday night, prosecution said the disappearance and death of Cassie Carli remain under investigation by law enforcement agencies in both Florida and Alabama. In an effort to prosecute the strongest case, and after communicating with law enforcement agencies in both States, the Office of the State Attorney believes that in interest of justice, the actions of Marcus Spanevelo are most appropriately prosecuted in Alabama.
Marcus Spanevelo will be transported by law enforcement to Alabama.
Spanevelo was going to trial for two different charges in reference to the disappearance of Carli, tampering with evidence and giving false information to law enforcement.
Previous reporting by WFLA showed Carli’s cause of death “undetermined,” according to the St. Clair County Coroner’s Office. The cause of death was believed to be the only obstacle preventing Santa Rosa prosecutors in Florida from charging Marcus Spanevelo, Carli’s ex-boyfriend and father to their young daughter, with murder. Between the coroner and the ADFS laboratory work conducted over a six-month period in Huntsville, forensic teams in Alabama could not determine how Carli died.
Mark Alderman, the prosecutor on the case, was unable to be reached for comment on Friday. We have reached out to the St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office for comment and have not heard back.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said due to the investigation still being active, it could not be provide details.
