GA Supreme Court reverses 2007 DeKalb Murder Convictions ATLANTA (WABE) - Today, The Georgia Supreme Court reversed the murder convictions and life sentences of two men for a 2007 DeKalb County murder. County prosecutors must now decide whether to retry Steven Manley and Robert Allen for the killing of Emmett Whatley.

On Feb. 9, 2007, prosecutors say Manley, Allen, and a third man attempted to rob Whatley at his home recording studio. The theft went awry, and just after 2am Whatley was shot dead.

The Supreme Court has reversed the convictions of the men because defense attorneys weren't allowed to fully cross-examine a key state witness. WABE legal analyst Page Pate says the decision will give defense attorneys in the future much more latitude in questioning state witnesses.

PATE: The Supreme Court is trying to send a message to trial judges in this state that you need to let defense attorneys probe about special deals, " said Pate. "Any sort of benefit that may accrue to the witness by testifying for the state needs to be explored at trial."

The high court also said the trial judge incorrectly allowed confessions given to police the night of the murder, even after one of the defendants clearly asked for a lawyer. The two defendants, who are currently being held in state jail, will be returned to DeKalb county jail while prosecutors decide whether to retry the case. © Copyright 2012, WABE