Custodial dad convicted of murdering 10-year-old daughter gets new trial (Frankfort, Kentucky)

Custodial dad PATRICK WATKINS has been granted a new trial in the beating death of his 10-year-old daughter.

http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/a533f85ba7964324a3c00415cf650bc8/TN--Child-Dies/

Ky. high court orders new trial for father convicted of murdering 10-year-old daughter
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: April 23, 2011 - 3:22 pm
Last Updated: April 23, 2011 - 3:23 pm

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that a man found guilty in the beating death of his 10-year-old daughter should be granted a new trial.

The court on Thursday found that Patrick Watkins' wife, Joy, had made 17 incriminating statements about him that were played for jurors, according to an account in the Lexington Herald-Leader. Patrick Watkins was never allowed to respond to or refute those statements, which violated his right to confront his accuser.

Patrick Watkins was the father of Michaela Watkins, who was found dead in March 2007. Joy Watkins was her stepmother. Both were convicted in Michaela's death. They were sentenced to life in prison in September 2008.

Police say the child was scalded with hot water and beaten to death with a piece of lumber.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com/