Deadly Boss Poisoning Conviction Tossed
A New York appeals court has overturned the manslaughter conviction of Kaitlyn Conley, who was accused of fatally poisoning her boss in 2015.
Improperly Obtained Evidence Led to Overturn
A mid-level state appeals court ruled that investigators went beyond what their warrant allowed when they had a cybersecurity center search Conley’s cell phone. The search found references to the words “poison” and “colchicine” and ties to an email account used to acquire colchicine, according to the court.
Conley’s Sentence Overturned
Conley, now 31, has been serving a 23-year sentence in the 2015 death of chiropractor Dr. Mary Yoder. The appeals court’s decision means that Conley’s conviction is no longer valid, and she will be transported back to Oneida County for prosecutors to say whether they plan to pursue the case.
Conley’s Reaction
“Ms. Conley is looking forward to clearing her name,” appeals lawyer Melissa Swartz said in an email. Conley has maintained her innocence throughout the case, and her lawyer said she will continue to fight to prove her innocence.
A Look Back at the Case
Conley was a receptionist in Yoder’s office in Whitesboro, a village in central New York, and had dated Yoder’s son. Authorities said Conley poisoned Yoder, 60, with an anti-inflammatory drug called colchicine. Conley’s first trial ended in a hung jury, and at a 2017 retrial, she was acquitted of murder but convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
What’s Next?
The Oneida County district attorney’s office has been contacted for comment, but it is unclear whether they will pursue the case again. Conley’s lawyer said she will continue to fight to prove her innocence and clear her name.
Conclusion
The overturning of Conley’s conviction is a significant development in a case that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. The use of improperly obtained evidence has led to the dismissal of the conviction, and Conley will now have the opportunity to clear her name.
FAQs
Q: What was Kaitlyn Conley accused of?
A: Conley was accused of fatally poisoning her boss, Dr. Mary Yoder, in 2015.
Q: What was the outcome of Conley’s first trial?
A: Conley’s first trial ended in a hung jury.
Q: What was the outcome of Conley’s second trial?
A: At a 2017 retrial, Conley was acquitted of murder but convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Q: Why was Conley’s conviction overturned?
A: The conviction was overturned because investigators went beyond what their warrant allowed when they searched Conley’s cell phone.
