A judge has thrown out a conviction in the decades-old case of a rape and murder of a 12-year-old Putnam County girl.

Citing new evidence that a convicted sex offender implicated himself in the murder, a judge has ordered a new trial for Andrew Krivak. Krivak was convicted of murdering Josette Wright, of Carmel.

"He was feeling overjoyed that finally somebody is listening to him, because he was arrested one week over 18, and he hasn't been home since then," says defense attorney Adele Bernhard.

Wright disappeared in 1994. Her remains were found in the woods more than a year later.

Krivak and his friend Anthony DiPippo were convicted in 1997. DiPippo's girlfriend testified to witness the pair attack Wright in a van before disposing of her body. After a third trial, DiPippo was acquitted in 2016

Bernhard attorney says they're looking forward to the new trial, which could begin in September.

The Putnam County DA's office has no commented on the ruling. News 12 was not able to reach Wright's family for comment.