SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state Court of Appeals has overturned the second-degree murder conviction of an Albuquerque man for killing a 65-year-old woman who traveled to New Mexico to start writing a book.
The court ruled Monday that Bruce Schwartz’ constitutional rights were violated because four prosecution witnesses testified using an Internet video connection. The court said his right to confront the witnesses was denied.
Schwartz was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the death of Martha McEachin, who left California in March 2008 to write a novel in Mexico. She met Schwartz in Albuquerque and lived in his apartment.
McEachin’s decomposed body was found in May 2008 without identification. Schwartz was arrested two years later.
The court remanded the case for a new trial.
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