A Douglas County judge has thrown out the murder charge prosecutors filed after an Omaha bowling alley shooting because a key witness twice failed to appear in court.

Judge John Huber ruled Friday that the second-degree murder charge against 20-year-old Cary McCarty of Omaha would be dismissed.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine says it is frustrating when witnesses don't show up for court. Kleine says that if prosecutors can find the key witness, they will refile the murder charge.

McCarty was charged with fatally shooting 19-year-old Maurice Parker of Omaha on Feb. 6 after a fight at Kelley's Hilltop Lanes. The shooting happened in the parking lot of the bowling alley.