The conviction and 50-year prison sentence of a Kentucky teenager has been overturned after the Kentucky Supreme Court concluded his confession was coerced. The high court today ordered a new trial for 19-year-old Garrett Thomas Dye. A jury convicted Dye in 2011 of beating his adopted sister to death.
Justice Will T. Scott concluded that police improperly told Dye that if he didn't confess a jury would convict him and hand down a death sentence. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that anyone under 18 is ineligible for execution.
The case drew the attention of state lawmakers.
Records have been released showing that social workers either ignored or dismissed allegations of abuse and neglect against the child.