Appeals Court approves new trial in 1987 killing

MADISON (AP) -- A Wisconsin Appeals Court says there is enough evidence to warrant a new trial for a man convicted in 1989 of killing a woman and hanging her body in a tree 25 years ago.

The Second District Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, July 25th that a jury could find reasonable doubt that Terry Vollbrecht was guilty of the 1987 slaying of 18-year-old Angela Hackl.

Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Bauer last month ordered a new trial in January 2011 after attorneys with the Wisconsin Innocence Project argued new evidence suggests another man killed Hackl.

The state argued new evidence discovered by Vollbrecht's attorneys did not warrant another trial.

But the appeals court agreed that it was compelling and would present the jury with a viable alternative suspect.