Dale Helmig's conviction status has been on the Missouri news radar since 2005, when his 1996 conviction for murdering his mother was thrown out, citing that jurors were given material during their deliberations that wasn't introduced in trial as evidence.
Today, he could be free on bond. But what happened between 2005 and now? A quick timeline:
- 2005 - Conviction for murdering his mother thrown out, citing that jurors were given material during their deliberations that wasn't introduced in trial as evidence.
- Nov. 4, 2010 - An additional judge, DeKalb County Judge Warren McElwain, concurs with the 2005 ruling to throw out Helmig's conviction - McElwain also cited poor representation and prosecutorial zeal in addition to the lack of evidence presented in the original reversal.
- Nov. 8, 2010 - The state of Missouri announces that it will appeal the reversal of Helmig's conviction - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster released a statement saying other state and federal courts have reviewed and affirmed the finding of guilt.
- Nov. 10, 2010 - McElwain defers his decision to a higher court while Helmig stays in jail. McElwain says he's not sure he has the authority to free Helmig on bail.
- Nov. 23, 2010 - Koster files paperwork aimed at keeping Helmig in jail.
- Today, Dec. 13, 2010 - A Missouri appeals court sustained a defense motion Monday to release Helmig. His attorney, Sean O'Brien, says the decision is a "huge step in the right direction."
Helmig must post 10 percent of a $50,000 bond before he can be released. O'Brien predicted that Helmig will be freed sometime Monday.