Jerome Man Could be Set Free After Conviction Thrown Out

Jerome, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV ) After a stint on death row and almost 31 years behind bars, a Jerome man convicted of murderer could soon be set free.

Friday in a Jerome courtroom, Judge Robert Elgee granted Jaimi Charboneau a $20,000 bond after throwing out his conviction. This, after a new piece of evidence surfaced in 2011. However, following an appeal from the prosecution, the State Supreme Court will have the final decision on whether he is granted bail.

Chaboneau was convicted of shooting his ex-wife, Marilyn Arbaugh on July 1st of 1984. Now, a letter allegedly written by Marilyn's daughter is casting enough doubt the judge has reopened the case. In his ruling, Judge Elgee said, “The state's hands are dirty.” Referring to how the letter was withheld from Charboneau for over two decades.

Following today's ruling, the Arbaugh family gave KMVT the following statement; “We firmly stand on the belief that the letter written by Tira Arbaugh was fraudulent. We still have faith the criminal justice system will make the right decision and that Jaimi Charboneau will remain under the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections."