Charges dropped against Grace McDonald

All charges filed against Grace McDonald have now been dropped, according to her defense team.

The team is now headed to the Ector County Jail where they will pick up Grace.

Grace had been charged with Capital Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, and Prohibited Sexual Conduct.

This move comes a little more than a month after her brother Gabe

to the murder of their parents.

Gabe took a plea bargain in the case in exchange for serving two 50-year sentences concurrently.

The following was the State's Motion to Dismiss Prosecution in this case:

"To the Honorable James Rush:

The State of Texas, by and through its District Attorney Pro Tem in the above entitled and numbered cause (the “State”), pursuant t0 Article 32.02 of the Texas Code 0f Criminal Procedure, requests the Court’s permission to dismiss the above entitled criminal action against the Defendant, Elizabeth Grace McDonald, on the basis that insufficient credible evidence exists to prove each of the offenses charged

(Capital Murder, Conspiracy and Prohibited Sexual Conduct) beyond reasonable doubt.

For the above stated reasons, the State prays this Court consent t0 the Stafe’s request to dismiss the above entitled criminal action Without prejudice."

It’s a day Grace McDonald has been waiting for, for years. Walking out of the Ector County Detention Center, with her freedom. The charges, including capital murder, dropped.

“It’s just an overwhelming joy to know that I’m free. You know, just to walk, to be in the air, and feel the fresh air and the sunshine, you know? I haven’t felt that in a long time,” she said.

Freedom is sweet. And even though nothing can bring back her parents, McDonald appreciates the support she’s received through her trial and her brother’s conviction.

“It was a hard road but it got easier along the way and it’s been good. It’s been really good to know that people have been trusting in me and believing in me,” she said.

The first Friday in many months where her future is unplanned.

“Not really sure what that whole next step is. But I’m excited to know that it’s going to be a good journey. And maybe a real adventure, maybe. I don’t know, I don’t know where it may lead. God may lead me someplace,” she said.

When asked what message she wants to give to the public, McDonald said she urges others to seek help.

“Just don’t let the trauma affect you. Just get help, get counsel, just get some help. Talk to somebody. If you’re struggling with any suicidal thoughts or if you’re struggling with anything like that, please talk to somebody. You know, don’t hesitate to talk to somebody,” she said.

When asked how she feels about her brother Gabe, she said she still loves him.

“Um, I still love him, I do. I will always continue to love Gabe, no matter what, so.”

CBS 7’s media partners, the Odessa American, reported that Grace McDonald’s case could be brought back to court.

The attorneys present at Grace McDonald’s release, Steven Brand and Thomas C. Fagerberg, said they do not believe that will happen.