HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Appellate Court has overturned the murder conviction of a reputed Bridgeport drug dealer who police say killed a rival who was selling fake crack cocaine on the alleged dealer's turf.
A three-judge panel of the court ruled Friday that Nirone Hutton's constitutional right to confront witnesses was violated and ordered a new trial.
The panel said the trial judge improperly allowed into evidence a videotaped statement by a witness who refused to answer questions during the trial.
Hutton was convicted of murder and sentenced to 55 years in prison for shooting 25-year-old Juan Marcano in the back in February 2007 at a Bridgeport housing complex building.
Hutton testified he shot Marcano while defending a friend who was being beaten by Marcano.