Yesterday, Judge Marsha Neifield reduced Philadelphia rapper Cassidy's first-degree murder charge. Cass will now stand trial on a third-degree murder charge.

Authorities allege that on April 15th, Cassidy (aka Barry Reese) was one of several men who shot at three victims behind the rapper's home in a West Oak Lane neighborhood. Desmond Hawkins, 22, was killed and two more were injured in the incident. The victims claimed they had an earlier altercation with Cassidy and had went to his home to make peace.

Originally, Cass was charged with first-degree murder and faced the possibility of life in prison, if convicted. Judge Neifield concluded that prosecutors only had enough evidence to try Cassidy on charges that included third-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapon offenses.

Cassidy's attorney, Fortunato Perri, Jr. says, "Today, we were able to show at the preliminary hearing that the deceased and his friends were actually firing shots in the direction of Cassidy and the guys that he was with." Perri continued, "We established, through the ballistics evidence, that there were shots being fired both ways. So based on that, the judge concluded that there wasn't enough evidence for a first-degree murder case, but she held him on third-degree murder."

Neifeld set bail at $2.5 million, but ordered Cassidy to remain behind bars pending appeal. Cassidy only has to raise 10% of that amount for his release. Tuesday marked his 60th day in prison. The bail order was upheld to permit the prosecutor's office enough time to appeal the Judge's decision. September 5th has been set for the deadline for the appeal request, but Cassidy could be released as soon as next week. If convicted, Cassidy now faces a lesser sentence of 20-to-40 years in prison.

"Today was a win, and we expect to keep winning and we expect to win the case at trial," Perri said. "For the last 60 days, Cassidy has been anxious. He's frustrated. He wants to get back to work. He wants to be exonerated in this case and it's a process for him. He's upbeat and he's looking forward to getting back to work and seeing his fans again."

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