OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas man who had served more than 15 years of a life sentence for the 1999 shooting death of his sister-in-law is a free man, after a county judge overturned his conviction.

Floyd Bledsoe was ordered released Tuesday after attorneys presented new evidence that implicated his late brother in the death of 14-year-old Camille Arfmann.

A Jefferson County Sheriff’s investigator testified that Bledsoe’s brother, Thomas, committed suicide last month after DNA evidence implicated him in Arfmann’s death. Thomas Bledsoe left behind suicide letters admitting his responsibility in the killing.

Tom Bledsoe had initially confessed to the killing before blaming his brother. Floyd Bledsoe had always maintained his innocence.

Prosecutor Jason Belveal has the option of pursuing the case but said it is unlikely that will happen.