New Evidence Claims that Bernie Tiede Could Be Set Free

CARTHAGE — According to Texas Monthly, an East Texas man whose murder case inspired a 2011 film could be set free as early as next week. According to KETK, Austin criminal defense lawyer, Jodi Cole, claims that she has come across new evidence which, if it had been divulged at the Bernie Tiede trial, would have explained his vicious act of violence towards Mrs. Nugent and perhaps would have led the jury to be more lenient in its sentencing. This coming week, Cole will be filing a writ of habeas corpus in the state district court where Bernie was originally tried.

Cole will ask Bernie to be freed after having served 16 years of his life sentence. Earlier this week, county officials have been informed that there is new evidence against Bernie Tiede who has been transferred to Panola County Jail, but say they do not know at this time what type of evidence has been found, although, according to the Panola Watchman, the new evidence could affect Tiede’s sentencing. Panola County Chief Deputy John Depresca tells KETK that Tiede, who was found guilty of murdering Marjorie Nugent in 1999, arrived at the county’s detention center in Carthage late Tuesday night after a bench warrant was issued.