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The Straight Story

(48,121 posts) Wed Oct 23, 2013, 05:14 PM Oct 2013

Kennedy cousin (Michael Skakel) gets new trial in 1975 killing

NEW HAVEN, Conn. —A Connecticut judge has granted a new trial for Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel, ruling his attorney failed to adequately represent him when he was convicted in 2002 of killing his neighbor in 1975.

Judge Thomas Bishop's ruling, which was obtained by The Associated Press, marks a dramatic reversal after years of unsuccessful appeals by Skakel. He is the 52-year-old nephew of Robert F. Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy and is serving 20 years to life.

Bridgeport State's Attorney John Smriga said prosecutors will appeal.

Skakel argued trial attorney Michael Sherman was negligent in defending him when he was convicted in the golf club bludgeoning of Martha Moxley when they were 15 in wealthy Greenwich. His current attorney called the case weak.

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/michael-skakel-wins-new-trial-in-1975-killing/-/9848876/22598718/-/fk2dxy/-/index.html?absolute=true&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=wcvb

4 replies

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Kennedy cousin (Michael Skakel) gets new trial in 1975 killing (Original Post) The Straight Story Oct 2013 OP

It's always bothered me that his conviction was partly due to what's-his-name's joeybee12 Oct 2013 #1

Furhman Blue_Tires Oct 2013 #2

Thanks...Cold case for years and hen Fuhrman solves it... joeybee12 Oct 2013 #3

Haven't followed this case too closley bigwillq Oct 2013 #4

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)

1. It's always bothered me that his conviction was partly due to what's-his-name's

Reply to The Straight Story (Original post)

Wed Oct 23, 2013, 05:17 PM

Oct 2013

work...the racist cop from the OJ trial. That said, I never followed it that closely, but just knowing that scumbucket was involved gave me doubts.

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)

2. Furhman

Reply to joeybee12 (Reply #1)

Wed Oct 23, 2013, 05:23 PM

Oct 2013

who despite being exposed as racist RW wannabe tough guy, *did* have a reputation as a hardworking, intuitive investigator...

But yeah, that whole conviction in '02 just seemed WAY too convenient...

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)

3. Thanks...Cold case for years and hen Fuhrman solves it...

Reply to Blue_Tires (Reply #2)

Wed Oct 23, 2013, 05:26 PM

Oct 2013

...like I said, I didn't follow it that closely, but the whole thing was strange.

bigwillq

(72,790 posts)

4. Haven't followed this case too closley

Reply to The Straight Story (Original post)

Wed Oct 23, 2013, 05:43 PM

Oct 2013

Are there doubts to Skakel's guilt?
Any other suspects?

I am all for a new trail if there is doubts about Skakel's involvement.

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