TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida appeals court is tossing out a conviction and life sentence in a Panhandle murder case.
The 1st District Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that Timothy Chavers did not properly waive his rights to an attorney prior to police questioning.
A panel of three judges ordered a new trial in the Okaloosa County case.
Chavers was convicted of shooting 17-year-old Christopher Pitcock during a 2010 drug robbery.
Chavers, who was 17 at the time, was one of several teens convicted in connection with the killing.
In its ruling ordering a new trial the appeals court cites a transcript of Chavers' interview that shows he told police he did not have money for an attorney.
The officer proceeds with the interview after asking Chavers if he understood his rights.
