Judge frees Kennedy cousin, convicted of 1975 murder, on bail
by Reuters
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After 11 years in prison, Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel is out on bail.
Skakel was convicted in 2002 of murdering neighbor Martha Moxley in 1975 when both were 15 years old.
Last month, a Connecticut judge ordered a new trial for the case after finding Skakel's previous lawyer ineffective.
The judge overturned his murder conviction for bludgeoning Moxley to death with a golf club and dumping her body on her parents' lawn.
In a packed courtroom on Thursday, another judge then freed Skakel on bail.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JUDGE GARY WHITE, SAYING:
"I'm aware of the factual allegations and the procedural history of the case. I've read the defense brief so I'm aware of Mr. Skakel's background. Under the totality of the circumstances, I'm going to set a bond of one-million-two-hundred thousand dollars."
Outside the courtroom, Moxley's brother and mother, John and Dorthy, said they were disappointed.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DORTHY MOXLEY, MOTHER OF
Skakel was convicted in 2002 of murdering neighbor Martha Moxley in 1975 when both were 15 years old.
Last month, a Connecticut judge ordered a new trial for the case after finding Skakel's previous lawyer ineffective.
The judge overturned his murder conviction for bludgeoning Moxley to death with a golf club and dumping her body on her parents' lawn.
In a packed courtroom on Thursday, another judge then freed Skakel on bail.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JUDGE GARY WHITE, SAYING:
"I'm aware of the factual allegations and the procedural history of the case. I've read the defense brief so I'm aware of Mr. Skakel's background. Under the totality of the circumstances, I'm going to set a bond of one-million-two-hundred thousand dollars."
Outside the courtroom, Moxley's brother and mother, John and Dorthy, said they were disappointed.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DORTHY MOXLEY, MOTHER OF