Man Getting New Trial in 1981 Murders Granted Bail

A Frederick County judge who ordered a new trial for a man serving two life sentences for killing a couple in Harford County in 1981 says the man can be released on bail.

Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. set bail for John Norman Huffington at $500,000 Thursday.

Huffington's attorneys had argued that evidence used to convict him has been discredited. Dwyer ordered a new trial, saying that the case's outcome may have been different had prosecutors not relied on the hair analysis evidence and the testimony of the FBI agent who conducted it.

Harford County State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly says his office is asking an appeals court to reverse the new trial ruling.

Huffington was convicted of killing of Joseph Hudson during a drug deal and later killing Hudson's girlfriend.