Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : Charges Dropped in Serial Killings

Prosecutors dropped murder charges against attorney Kenneth Ponte, 41, in the serial killings of nine women in the New Bedford, Mass., area. The bodies had been found along highways in 1988 and 1989. Ponte had been indicted only in the killing of Rochelle Dopierala, with whom he admitted having a relationship. He had been the attorney for three other victims. All of the victims were drug abusers, and some were prostitutes. A special prosecutor said that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Ponte on a murder charge but that related drug conspiracy and assault charges would be pursued.