Tommy Nail, a circuit judge in Birmingham, said it would be impossible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Watson, 34, drowned his wife by turning off her air supply during a honeymoon scuba diving excursion in Australia.
Prosecutors had tried to draw out more testimony from Thomas about conversations she had with Watson and some of his actions after the death, but Circuit Judge Tommy Nail blocked most of the questions as improper.
Meeting with attorneys before beginning jury selection, Circuit Judge Tommy Nail said Watson's trial would last at least two weeks. Potential witnesses have been subpoenaed from Australia, but it's unclear exactly who will testify.