Neo-Nazi Attack Ruled Out in Death of Boy, 6

Authorities in the eastern German state of Saxony on Wednesday ruled out the possibility that a 6-year-old boy found dead in a swimming pool three years ago was a victim of neo-Nazi violence.

Prosecutors from the state capital, Dresden, had reopened the inquiry into the death of Joseph Abdulla after the boy’s German mother and Iraqi father presented new witness statements that their son was beaten, drugged and drowned by a far-right gang.

But three people arrested last week were quickly freed after a key witness made contradictory statements and failed to recognize two of the suspects in photographs, prosecutors said.

Two people remain under investigation, but an aide to Saxony’s governor said Wednesday that there is no credible evidence that neo-Nazis were responsible for the death.