The murder indictment against a former North Syracuse school teacher has been tossed.

James Ball is accused of shooting and killing his brother-in-law, Christopher Ross, on July 4, 2017.

Investigators say the two men started fighting with each other when the situation quickly escalated.

Prosecutors claim Ball went to retrieve his gun, and then fired four shots at Ross.

They originally charged him with second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Defense attorneys claim Ball was acting in self-defense.

The judge's ruling does not prevent prosecutors from seeking a new indictment.

Prosecutors say they plan to appeal the decision.