FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — A judge has declared a mistrial in the case of a Georgia man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a roommate whose skeletal remains were found in an Iowa basement in 2012. The Fort Dodge Messenger reports Judge Gary McMinimee ordered the mistrial Tuesday in the case of 55-year-old John Green, of Blairsville, Georgia. Green is accused of killing 58-year-old Mark Koster, who was reported missing in 2010. His remains were found buried in the basement of Koster’s Sac City home.

McMinimee made his decision after Sac City Police Chief John Thomsen testified investigators interviewing suspects “minimize the crime” because “bad people” don’t want to admit their roles. Defense attorney Charles Kenville argued that mischaracterized Green. McMinimee agreed, declaring a mistrial. A new trial will be scheduled.