Charges dropped against man accused of gangland killing

A maintenance worker accused of murdering gangland lawyer Joseph Acquaro will no longer face any criminal charges.

Vincenzo Crupi was charged with murder after Acquaro was shot dead in front of his East Brunswick gelato shop in March 2016.

But prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams on Monday informed the Victorian Supreme Court the case against Crupi had been discontinued.

Justice Jane Dixon confirmed Crupi was no longer facing a murder charge and was not in custody on any other matters.

Crupi hugged his lawyers after the hearing concluded but declined to comment.

He was first charged with Acquaro’s murder in 2018 and was committed to stand trial the following year.

But the case was repeatedly delayed due to a legal fight over confidential material.