KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A Missouri appeals panel has ruled that murder evidence against a Kansas City lawyer accused of killing his law partner should be thrown out.

The Western District Court of Appeals found that Jackson County prosecutors couldn’t be relied on to give defendant Richard Buchli all the evidence in his case and ensure a fair trial.

Buchli was convicted nine years ago of first-degree murder in the beating death of Richard Armitage. The conviction was thrown out because of evidence not turned over to the defense. Prosecutors appealed that decision.

The appeals panel ruled the state’s failure to comply with rules was unfair and prejudiced Buchli. The Jackson County prosecutor says she’s reviewing options in the case.