Bernie Tiede wins appeal in murder case, awaits new punishment

Bernie Tiede, the inspiration for Richard Linklater’s film Bernie, has won his appeal — and he may be set free from prison for good.

The former Panola County resident was found guilty in the 1997 murder case of Marjorie Nugent, 81, back in February 1999 and later sentenced to life in prison. However, in May of this year, Tiede was granted a release on $10,000 bond with set conditions.

Acccording to court records, Bernie Tiede alleges new scientific evidence contradicts scientific evidence relied up on by the state at trial and false evidence was presented underimining the verdict.

Bernie Tiede will be turned over to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office so a new hearing may be held. A trial court will issue a warrant within 10 days.

Since his release, the East Texan has lived in Austin with his moviemaking benefactor, Richard Linklater.

Bernie Tiede’s case became nationally known in the 2011 film, “Bernie.”

Agencies/Canadajournal