A judge has overturned the conviction of a man serving life in prison for the 1996 rape and murder of a Kalkaska woman.
The prosecutor must now decide whether Jamie Peterson will be re-tried or set free.
In the original trial, prosecutors had DNA evidence they said could be Peterson’s. New technology and better testing has proven that’s not the case.
Now, the judge says Peterson’s guilt is in question.
Defense lawyer Caitlin Plummer says he will remain behind bars for now.
“We’re not exactly sure where he’s going to be held,” says Plummer. “But presumably he’d either remain in prison or be transferred back to the Kalkaska County Jail.”
The DNA was linked to another man. Jason Ryan is awaiting trial in December for the rape and murder of Geraldine Montgomery.
In 1996, the 68-year-old widow was assaulted and left to die in the trunk of her car.
The prosecutor was not available for comment.