Linda Henning convicted in 1999 Albuquerque murder granted retrial

Linda Henning will receive a new trial in an Albuquerque murder case following a court ruling. The decision overturns her prior conviction because a judge determined she was incompetent during her trial.

Judge Cindy Leos made the ruling on Monday. Leos ruled that Henning was mentally incompetent during her trial 24 years ago. Jurors found Henning guilty in 2002.

The court sentenced Henning to more than 73 years in prison. The conviction was part of the Girly Chew murder case in Albuquerque. Chew was murdered in 1999.

Prosecutors say Henning was the accomplice of Diazien Hossencofft. Hossencofft is serving a life sentence for murdering Chew, who was his wife. Henning was his alleged partner.

Henning’s new defense lawyer argued that her original defense counsel knew about her mental condition. The attorney argued counsel knew Henning suffered from schizophrenia. The original defense did not disclose that diagnosis to the court.

A new trial order sends criminal charges back to the court for fresh proceedings. The legal process permits judges to assess mental competence before trials proceed. Defendants may seek release conditions during retrial preparations.

Henning has a hearing scheduled for Thursday in Albuquerque. The court will consider her possible release pending her new trial.