It means his "right to a speedy trial" was violated, not a statute of limitations case.
You are correct!
Not a lawyer, but had to do legal preps in the past - including writing and processing charges.
There are 2 different time clocks. One is from date that the incident occurred - statute of limitations.
2nd is speedy trial which varies by state and federal - but is typically (and I'm reaching in memory land here) about 30-60 days from the time the charges are first proferred until the first court appearance on those charges.
I do believe that the charges can be retracted and refiled - this restarts his defense preparation clock - but if he has multiple death penalties I imagine it will be easier to "close his case". TMK
In addition, I imagine this is in another jurisdiction where the case is still open, provides closure to the family involved, and should any appeals be filed later will make any attempts to release him that much more difficult. IMHO
Do you know for a fact that he did not waive his right to a speedy trial?