NEWFANE - A judge has vacated the conviction of John Grega, who was convicted of the 1994 murder of his wife, and ordered a new trial, after DNA evidence that came to light last month cast doubt on Grega’s guilt.

In an order dated Tuesday, Judge John Wesley, of Windham County civil court, agreed to a request from both prosecution and defense attorneys to grant Grega a new trial in the case which has attracted attention to DNA evidence and Vermont’s legal system.

Wesley ordered Grega to live with his mother in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y., if he met the $75,000 bail set by the court. On Wednesday afternoon, Grega was expected to be released from the Springfield prison.

A hearing had been scheduled for Friday to determine whether Grega would be set free and granted a new trial but it was canceled after Wesley ruled on a motion filed on Monday. The motion was filed jointly by Windham County State’s Attorney Tracy Kelly Shriver and Grega’s attorney, Ian Carleton, of the Burlington law firm, Sheehey, Furlong and Behm, P.C.

Both sides stipulated to the request that Grega be released pending a new trial and that certain conditions be set for his release which include that Grega not be allowed to contact his wife’s family or possess a passport. The only explanation given in the motion is that it was filed “in light of the recently discovered DNA evidence” and that both Grega and the state “agree that this is an appropriate resolution to this proceeding.”

For the complete story, see Thursday's edition.