BOSTON (WWLP) – The state’s highest court has thrown out the guilty verdict against former Granby resident Cara Rintala, who was convicted of murder in the 2010 strangling death of her wife Annamarie Cochrane Rintala.
Cara Rintala went on trial three times at Hampshire Superior Court in Northampton. The first two trials had ended with hung juries, before she was convicted in a third trial in 2016. The case received extensive nationwide attention, as it was the first time a woman was convicted of the murder of her lawful wife.
Now, the Northwestern District Attorney’s office said they’re ready for a fourth.
“We’ve believed in the strength of our case from day one, and now that we’ve seen a jury hearing this evidence has convicted Cara Rintala, albeit that decision being overturned today, it gives us hope moving forward that we can continue on our quest for justice and the right outcome will be achieved,” said First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne.
Cara Rintala found her wife unresponsive at the bottom of the stairs of the couple’s Granby home on March 29, 2010. When first responders arrived, it was determined that Annamarie was dead. Cara, Annamarie’s body, and the floor near the bottom of the stairs were all found to be covered in paint.
In their ruling, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court agreed with the defense that the testimony of a prosecution expert about the timing and manner of the application of paint was in error.
Cara Rintala News
- Cara Rintala appeal being considered by Supreme Judicial Court
- Woman convicted in 2010 murder of wife in Granby home denied request to be released
- Dateline: At the bottom of the stairs
- Judge denying Cara Rintala’s motion for reduced conviction
- Cara Rintala found guilty of 1st degree murder in 3rd trial
- Jury can consider manslaughter charge in Cara Rintala case
- Rintala emotionless while being read prison fate
The high court’s ruling returns the case to the superior court for a new trial.
Rintala will remain incarcerated for at least the near future, pending a possible future hearing on her release.