YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for Evan Savoie, who was convicted of killing a 12-year-old playmate in 2003.
Savoie was tried as an adult and convicted of first-degree murder five years ago for the slaying of Craig Sorger. Sorger had been stabbed more than 30 times.
A third playmate, Jake Eakin, testified against Savoie in a plea deal. Both are imprisoned at Green Hill School in Chehalis.
Savoie appealed his conviction on grounds that the Grant County Superior Court violated his right to a public trial and erred in appointing counsel for Sorger’s parents.
The appeals court agreed in a ruling Thursday and ordered a new trial.
