The Manhattan District Attorney's office has dismissed criminal charges against three men accused of stealing and attempting to sell Eagles' "Hotel California" handwritten lyrics after Don Henley disclosed approximately 6,000 pages of new evidence mid-trial.

Justice Curtis Farber ruled that Henley "manipulated" the DA's office by withholding crucial evidence. The judge noted that Henley and his lawyers attempted to "weaponize their attorney-client privilege" to conceal potentially damaging information.

Photo Credit: Michael Coghlan / CC by 2.0

The three defendants - Glenn Horowitz (rare books dealer), Craig Inciardi (former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator), and Edward Kosinki (memorabilia seller) - were initially charged with conspiracy to possess stolen property. They were accused of attempting to sell the handwritten lyrics back to Henley for profit.

The new evidence emerged after Henley and Eagles manager Irving Azoff waived their attorney-client privilege, revealing communications that cast doubt on Henley's claim that the materials were stolen. Assistant DA Aaron Ginandes acknowledged this evidence should have been presented earlier to allow proper cross-examination.

Defense attorney Scott Edelman criticized the DA's office, stating they were "blinded by the fame and fortune of a celebrity" in pursuing a case that wouldn't have been brought against "a normal person."

Henley's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, maintains his client is still the victim and suggests potential civil legal action may follow.

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