BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

ROSSIE — Frederick Wing is a free man and a long-standing murder charge has officially been dismissed after District Attorney Gary Pasqua made a motion in the interest of justice to reduce the charge.

Wing was accused of murdering Ronald Durham, 72, on Feb. 11 after state police said they had evidence to tie Wing to the murder.

By all accounts, Wing and Durham were friends, leading friends and family of Wing to fight the charges even harder.

Attorney Ed Narrow, who represented Wing, said Wing’s family is relieved the criminal element is now over.

“Mr. Wing is a free man and he has no criminal history. Obviously, his family is very relieved that the truth came to light and Freddie is a free man who can live his life,” Narrow said.

According to Narrow, the second-degree murder charge, which potentially carried a life sentence, was reduced to third-degree assault, allowing Judge Gentile to absolve Wing of the charges.

Wing’s mugshot and fingerprints will also be destroyed and the case record is permanently sealed, Narrow said.

“We knew from the beginning Freddie was innocent but we needed the state to acknowledge that. Freddie’s friends and family never gave up hope that this day would come but it was a long road to finally get justice for Freddie,” Narrow said.

When asked if Wing’s family would seek damages in a civil suit Narrow said he was unsure of the family’s intentions.

“I’m sure they will explore their options and make a decision moving forward on that matter but I can tell you his family is relieved that the criminal case is now finished and Freddie is a free man,” Narrow said.