Conviction reversed in Fla. animal clinic murder

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A man sentenced to death after being convicted of killing and raping an Orange Park veterinary technician will get a new trial.

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday reversed Michael Renard Jackson's murder conviction and death sentence.

The 5-2 majority found that a videotape of his interrogation prejudiced his Clay County jury because investigating officers repeatedly expressed their view that he was guilty.

They also commented on the character of the victim, Andrea Boyer, and her family life.

Boyer was strangled and beaten to death with a fire extinguisher at the veterinary clinic where she worked early in the morning of Jan. 23, 2007.

Chief Justice Ricky Polston and Justice Charles Canady dissented. Canady wrote the video was a harmless error because DNA evidence implicated Jackson.