article_snippet.sent: But Osage County Attorney Brandon Jones said pursuing the more serious charge posed challenges because of problems with evidence and key witnesses.
article_snippet.sent: Other than a portion of the victim's skull, prosecutors did not have the victim's body, the murder weapon had not been recovered, not all of the prosecution's witnesses were available, and prosecutors faced 'credibility issues' with a major witness, Jones said. '
article_snippet.sent: It was going to be a tough case to prosecute,' Jones said.
highlights_snippet.sent: Prosecutors said Prosecutors accepted plea deal because of major problems with evidence and witnesses .