Woman Convicted in 1999 Love-Triangle Murder Granted New Trial More Than Two Decades Later

A murder case dating back to 1999 has taken a dramatic turn after a woman convicted in a killing linked to a love triangle was granted a new trial, reopening a legal battle that has lasted for decades.

The case drew attention because of the alleged romantic rivalry behind the killing and the lengthy fight over the woman’s conviction. More than 20 years after the original crime, the decision to grant a new trial could give the defense another opportunity to challenge the evidence and arguments that led to her conviction.

The original case centered on a deadly dispute involving a romantic relationship. Prosecutors presented their account of the events during the earlier proceedings, ultimately securing a conviction. However, the legal process did not end there, as questions surrounding the case continued to be pursued through subsequent challenges.

Now, the decision to allow a new trial marks a significant development. A new proceeding could give the court an opportunity to reconsider relevant evidence and hear arguments from both sides. It does not, however, automatically mean the original conviction has been overturned or that the defendant has been cleared of wrongdoing.

Cases involving decades-old convictions can be particularly complex, as investigators, attorneys and courts may need to revisit testimony, records and other evidence gathered many years ago. The passage of time can also make it more difficult to reconstruct events and obtain information from witnesses.

The latest development brings renewed attention to a case that has remained part of a long-running legal struggle. As the proceedings move forward, the central question will be whether the evidence presented in the new trial supports the original verdict or leads the court to a different conclusion.

Further details about the court’s reasoning and the next steps in the case are important to understanding why a new trial was granted after so many years.

The case has taken a remarkable turn after more than two decades, with a judge ordering a new trial for Linda Henning, now 73, who was convicted in the 1999 killing of her boyfriend’s estranged wife, Girly Chew Hossencofft.

A 1999 Murder Case Reopened After Judge Questions Woman’s Original Trial

A decades-old murder case in New Mexico is back in the spotlight after a judge granted a new trial to a woman who has spent years behind bars for her alleged role in a killing that shocked investigators and attracted national attention.

Linda Henning was convicted in 2002 of first-degree murder, kidnapping and other offenses connected to the disappearance of Girly Chew Hossencofft, the estranged wife of Henning’s then-boyfriend, Diazien Hossencofft. Girly disappeared from Albuquerque on September 9, 1999, after reportedly pursuing divorce proceedings against her husband. Her remains have never been found.

Prosecutors alleged that Henning and Diazien conspired to kill Girly amid a complicated romantic relationship. Although investigators never recovered the victim’s body, evidence reportedly included a tarp, clothing, duct tape and other items bearing Girly’s DNA that were discovered along a highway near Magdalena, New Mexico.

Henning was sentenced to 73.5 years in prison following her conviction. However, the case has now entered a new chapter after Second Judicial District Judge Cindy Leos ruled that Henning’s mental condition during the original proceedings raised serious concerns about whether she could adequately understand the charges and assist in her own defense.

The judge cited psychiatric reports indicating that Henning suffered from severe delusions at the time of her trial. According to court reporting, Henning held unusual beliefs that affected her understanding of the prosecution and the accusations against her. Judge Leos sharply criticized the original proceedings, describing the conviction as a miscarriage of justice.

Henning’s current defense attorney argued that her original lawyer failed to adequately challenge her competency to stand trial. The former attorney disputed that characterization, saying he had consulted mental health professionals who considered Henning competent at the time.

The ruling does not establish that Henning is innocent or automatically end the case against her. Instead, it opens the door to a new trial, where the legal arguments and evidence can be examined again. Prosecutors are reviewing the case, while a separate hearing was scheduled for October 22, 2026, to consider whether Henning should remain in custody while awaiting retrial.

Meanwhile, Diazien Hossencofft previously pleaded no contest to murder, kidnapping and other charges and received a sentence of life in prison plus 60 years. He remains incarcerated.

More than 25 years after Girly’s disappearance, the case continues to raise difficult questions about the original investigation, the evidence presented in court and the fairness of the legal process. The upcoming proceedings could become a pivotal moment in one of New Mexico’s most unusual and long-running criminal cases.

Source: PEOPLE