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in a stunning reversal of its own decision less than two years ago, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled on Friday to overturn the conviction of Michael Skakel, who was found guilty of bludgeoning Greenwich neighbor Martha Moxley in 1975.
Skakel, the nephew of Ethel Kennedy, wife of the late Robert F. Kennedy, had been convicted in 2002 of killing the 15-year-old Moxley, who was beaten to death with a golf club.
Skakel successfully appealed his conviction in October 2013 and was released on bail the next month as he awaited a new trial.
Three years later, the state Supreme Court reversed the ruling that Skakel deserved a new trial. Skakel’s lawyers then filed motions asking the high court to reconsider that decision, and by law, Skakel was entitled to remain free until the court issued a final ruling.
The latest ruling could mark the conclusion of the decades-long, highly publicized case. The Supreme Court ruled that Skakel's was so ineffective that his right to a fair trial was violated.
The Supreme Court ordered a new trial, but it's unclear if prosecutors will pursue it.
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