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(AllHipHop News) Serious criminal charges filed against two Trill Entertainment executives have been dropped according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Melvin Vernell Jr. and Marcus Roach were charged with attempting to murder local rapper Bruce “Beelow” Moore on July 4, 2005, in front of his store, Shop Smart Music and Fashion.

Sources told AllHipHop.com that Beelow was shot because his store was allegedly bootlegging music by artists on the Trill label, including Baton Rogue rapper Lil Boosie.

Yesterday (March 8), a judge ruled that prosecutors waited too long to try the pair on the charges of attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery and illegal use of weapons.

The attempted murder charge and the armed robbery charge were the most serious offenses the men faced, as both carry a mandatory sentence.

Both men have been free on $350,000 bond since May of 2008 and placed on house arrest from 7PM – 7AM.

Beelow, who returned fire in the altercation, survived the shooting.

Prosecutors are expected to appeal the ruling.