Two hearsay missteps permits convict to be given third trial

By David Thomas Law Bulletin staff writer

Posted February 17, 2017 2:27 PM

A state appeals panel has ordered a third trial for a man convicted of murdering a 15-year-old after prosecutors made the same mistake regarding hearsay testimony in a second trial that resulted in the first trial being overturned.Daniel Ochoa faces criminal charges is for allegedly murdering Marilu Socha in 2002. The 1st District Appellate Court’s decision extends Ochoa’s trial court battle to its 12th year.Since 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that it is impermissible to introduce testimony implicating …

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