A man accused of participating in the robbery of puppies nearly seven years ago was supposed to appear in court on Thursday, but his defense attorney informed that the man has passed away.

Steven Wrice faced two counts of robbery and two counts of criminal confinement for the case filed in May of 2017.

According to the Goshen News, he was accused of taking part in a disagreement with two women over who would keep the puppies born as a result of his dog mating with a victim’s dog.

He allegedly attacked one of the women and he, along with two others, stole the mother dog and the puppies.

The other suspects, Precious Murry and Jamail Sallie, pleaded guilty to their roles and were dentenced. However, due to Wrice’s passing on April 30, the case has been dismissed.