Woman Convicted of Poisoning Boss Could Be Released After Court Ruling

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A local woman convicted of poisoning her boss to death in 2015 could soon be released from prison after a New York appellate court overturned her conviction, citing ineffective legal representation. Kaitlyn Conley, who was serving a sentence for the first-degree manslaughter of Mary Yoder, her ex-boyfriend’s mother and employer, may walk free unless prosecutors decide to retry the case.

The Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division’s Fourth Judicial Department ruled Friday that Conley’s conviction must be vacated due to inadequate legal counsel. The court dismissed the single charge against her without prejudice, leaving the door open for the Oneida County District Attorney’s office to re-present the case to a grand jury.

“It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously reversed on the law, the motion is granted, the judgment of conviction is vacated, and count 1 of the indictment is dismissed without prejudice to the People to re-present any appropriate charge with respect to such dismissed count to another grand jury,” the court’s decision stated.

Conley, now 31, was convicted in 2017 of poisoning Mary Yoder, a chiropractor in New Hartford, N.Y., with colchicine, a toxic chemical. Yoder died in July 2015 after suffering symptoms consistent with poisoning. Conley, who worked as Yoder’s office manager, was accused of administering the substance through a water bottle. The case gained widespread attention due to its shocking nature and the personal relationships involved.

The appellate court’s decision marks a significant turn in the case, which has already seen one mistrial due to a hung jury. Conley’s defense team argued that her original trial attorney failed to adequately challenge the prosecution’s evidence and did not present a strong case for her innocence. The court agreed, stating, “We reverse the order, grant the motion, vacate the judgment of conviction, and dismiss count 1 of the indictment.”

As of now, Conley remains incarcerated at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison for women in Westchester County. The Oneida County District Attorney’s office, led by Todd Carville, has not yet announced whether it will pursue a new indictment. If prosecutors choose not to retry the case, Conley could be released within days.

This ruling has reignited debate over the effectiveness of legal representation in high-stakes criminal cases. Legal experts note that appeals based on ineffective counsel are difficult to win, making this decision particularly noteworthy. “This case highlights the critical importance of competent legal representation in ensuring a fair trial,” said a criminal defense attorney familiar with the matter.

Conley’s case has been closely followed by the local community, where Yoder was a well-respected figure. Her death left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and patients. Meanwhile, Conley’s supporters have maintained her innocence, arguing that the evidence against her was circumstantial.

As the legal process unfolds, all eyes are on the Oneida County District Attorney’s office to determine the next steps. For now, Conley’s future hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that could either set her free or send her back to trial.