BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Aaron Powell, sentenced to life in prison three years ago for the deaths of his estranged wife and her friend, is getting a new trial.
The State Supreme Court Appellate Division has overturned the conviction against the Binghamton man, who was found guilty in 2014 on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder.
Christina Powell and her friend, Mario Masciarelli, were killed inside a home on Lisi Lane in Binghamton.
In its decision, the appeals court ruled that Powell was denied the right to a fair and impartial jury. One of the jurors was a partner in the law firm that was representing his estranged wife's parents in custody hearings involving the couple's child.
Powell was overcome with emotion when his attorney called with the news.
"I thought we had lost the connection," said Donna Aldea, Aaron Powell's attorney. "There was silence. I said, 'Hello, hello, are you still there?' He said, 'No, no I'm here. I'm speechless. I don't have words. I don't know what to say.' He got emotional, and he was very grateful."
The case is now heading back to Broome County Court, where Powell will again face trial.