But Simpson wrote in the Tuesday ruling that "there is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylor's death."
Simpson's ruling effectively reduced the civil rights violation charges against Jaynes and Meany, which had carried a maximum sentence of life in prison, to misdemeanors.
This undated photo shows Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.
The judge declined to dismiss a conspiracy charge against Jaynes and another charge against Meany, who is accused of making false statements to investigators.
When police carrying a drug warrant broke down Taylor's door in March 2020, her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot that struck an officer in the leg.
A trial last year ended with a hung jury, but Hankison is schedule to be retried on those charges in October.
In 2020, "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King asked Walker: "What does justice look like for you, for Breonna Taylor?". »
