Murder charges dropped against tennis referee

>>> a prominent tennis referee is a free woman this morning. but just 24 hours ago, she stood accused of killing her husband, until the charges against her were unexpectedly dropped. michelle franzen reports now on a case that stretched across the country, touching one of america's most prestigious sporting events .

>> reporter: she is a former u.s. open tennis referee, accused of killing her husband of nearly 50 years using a coffee mug as a weapon. but friday, lois goodman smiled in a los angeles courtroom after learning her case was dismissed.

>> i'm glad that it's over and can go on with my life.

>> reporter: l.a. county prosecutors asked a judge to drop charges against goodman , citing insufficient evidence and new information in the case.

>> based upon this information, we announced that we are unable to proceed with the case at this time.

>> reporter: the 70-year-old was arrested in new york city in august, just as she arrived to work at the u.s. open as a line judge. her husband alan goodman was found dead in the couple's california home in april. she told police he fell down the stairs. prosecutors alleged goodman used the coffee mug to bludgeon him and stabbed him with the broken pieces. she pleaded not guilty. her attorney claims police botched the investigation and says her client's dna was not found on the coffee mug .

>> this is a wonderful woman whose name was tarnished all over this country.

>> reporter: family and friends also came to goodman 's defense, including her daughter.

>> my mother did not do this. she is not capable physically or emotionally to do something like this.

>> reporter: prosecutors say they are still investigating the case and could refile charges if they find new evidence.

>> sounds to me like the forensics didn't match up, they're going to let her go, and unless somebody comes forward and says i was there and saw her kill him, then the investigation is going to end and it's over with.

>> reporter: meanwhile, goodman says she is relieved.

>> i've been treated fairly now and it was just a tragic accident.

>> reporter: for today, michelle franzen , nbc news.