RAVENNA, Ohio - Two men sentenced to spend most of their lives in prison for killing a woman could be released after a judge ruled their convictions were invalid.

        Lawyers for both men say the state's case against is so “gutted” that “it is highly unlikely there would even be enough evidence to obtain an indictment.”

        Motions filed Thursday in the 11th Ohio District Court of Appeals in Warren ask that both men be released to prepare for new trials.

        Randy Resh was convicted 12 years ago in the death of Connie Nardi, 31.

        Mr. Resh's friend, Robert Gondor, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

        Mr. Resh is serving up to life in prison, and Mr. Gondor is serving up to 51 years. Both men were 24 when Ms. Nardi was killed in 1988.

        Portage County Common Pleas Judge Charles Bannon ruled on June 14 that the convictions were invalid.

        Mr. Bannon's decision, based on testimony from an evidentiary hearing in May, said Mr. Resh and Mr. Gondor were denied their constitutional right to effective counsel.

        Evidence that could have helped their cases was never used at either trial, Mr. Bannon said.

Police graduation a day of celebration, lessons
Inspectors wait to visit Woodbridge
Volunteers harder to find as spirit of Sept. 11 fades
Obituary: John Gimpel, artistic director for Gibson
Settlement plan gets $75,000
Three injured as van, train collide
Tristate A.M. Report
Faith matters
MCNUTT: Neighborhoods
RADEL: Strangers
SAMPLES-GUTIERREZ: Phone adventures
Clermont coroner resigns
Harrison principal named best in Ohio
Jury acquits Bristol's dancer
Patient abuse case back to trial Monday
Police seize $170,000 of cocaine
Ruling on officer next week
Warren County GOP still snubbing Taft
Agency wants public smoking ban
Family killings shake Fort Bragg
Man gets 23 years in fatal kidnap
Murder suspects could go free
Officials promise united economic growth campaign
Bellevue's popularity creates parking problem
Fifth-Third president donates for friend
Gun shop owner will fire on in court
Kentucky News Briefs
Pension boost overturned
Shooter sought after front porch robbery attempt
Two Ky.-Ind. bridges proposed