WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The Texas Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth released more information on their decision to reverse the James Staley conviction and order a new trial to be held.

To reverse the conviction, the Texas Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth cited failures mentioned in Staley’s Defense Team’s appeal brief, which alleged that key evidence taken from a Mac Mini and cell phone that belonged to James Staley III was unconstitutional.

“This court has considered the record on appeal in this case and holds that there was error in the trial court’s judgment. It is ordered that the trial court’s judgment is reversed, and this case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. It is further ordered that The State of Texas must pay all costs of this appeal.”

According to the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office, they will be petitioning the Fort Worth Court of Criminal Appeals to reinstate the conviction.

While the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office has stated interest in repursuing this case, there have been no dates announced for a potential retrial. Stick with News Channel 6 as we follow this story.

On March 13, 2023, James Staley III was found guilty of capital murder in the death of Jason Wilder McDaniel and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.