(Sherwood, OR) -- New details are coming to light regarding the death of a key witness in the murder trial of a Sherwood man accused of killing his wife over three decades ago. Newly released court documents in the case against 68-year-old Robert Atrops reveal the deceased witness was the victim's lover, identified as John Pearson. Police say Pearson died by suicide about a week ago. His death has forced the case to be reset, and an entirely new jury is being selected. Atrops is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly strangling his wife Deborah Atrops to death in 1988. Police arrested him last year after Washington County Sheriff's detectives working with the District Attorney's office re-opened the case.