NORWICH – The New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division today upheld convicted murderer Peter Wlasiuk’s second appeal in the death of his wife, Patricia Wlasiuk, whose body was recovered from Guilford Lake after an alleged accident that occurred in April of 2002.

Jurors twice convicted Wlasiuk of the murder of his wife. The first verdict was overturned on appeal in 2006, citing errors regarding the admittance of prejudical evidence. A second trial in 2008 came to the same conclusion, under Judge Martin Smith of Binghamton.

The latest appeal overturns that conviction as well, agreeing with Wlasiuk’s contention that his defense attorney, Randel Scharf, should not have opposed the dismissal of a juror with a conflict of interest. Also noted is Scharf’s introduction of portions of Patricia’s diary into evidence, which had previously been ruled as inadmissable.

The decision will send the case back to Chenango County Court for further proceedings and possibly a third trial. Wlasiuk is currently serving 25 years to life in state prison.

The full story will appear in Friday’s edition of The Evening Sun.