Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm Mackey said the one-year statute of limitations expired before O'Connor filed his suit against Harry Perzigian. O'Connor, who filed the suit in October 1996, can appeal the ruling.
Hugh O'Connor, the Emmy-winning actor's adopted son, shot himself in the head March 18, 1995. Shortly after the suicide, the elder O'Connor held a press conference, claiming Perzigian peddled drugs to Hugh and blaming Hugh's death on Perzigian.
Perzigian was convicted in January 1996 of single counts of possessing and furnishing cocaine. He was sentenced to a year in jail, fined $1,000 and ordered to do 200 hours of community service.
Despite the conviction, Perzigian filed a defamation lawsuit against O'Connor in February 1996, alleging the former Archie Bunker publicly called him "a partner in murder." That suit is still pending.
Hugh O'Connor's death has had repercussions outside Hollywood. Last month, the Florida Senate unanimously passed the "Hugh O'Connor Memorial Act," allowing people injured by a drug dealer to recover triple damages in attorney's fees and costs.
Carroll O'Connor starred with his son and Howard Rollins on the television version of In the Heat of the Night. The 72-year-old actor has most recently appeared on Mad About You and Party of Five.