Well the state dropped most of their charges. And after the made for TV press conference and the media lynchings I think a misdemeanor is a major fail on the state's part as well.That's one way to spin it.
Another way to spin it is that they are cutting their losses right before "go time" (the beginning of the trial).
It's easy to have your acolytes SAY you're innocent for 5 straight years, it's another to actually be confident that you can prove you are innocent.
Just another way to spin it.