ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota judge has ordered a new trial for a man sentenced to eight years in prison for a Toyota crash that killed three people.

Koua Fong Lee of St. Paul had insisted he tried to brake his 1996 Camry before it plowed into a car as he exited a St. Paul freeway in 2006. The 32-year-old's case got a new look in the wake of Toyota's widely publicized problems with sudden acceleration in newer-model Toyotas.

Lee's attorneys had argued evidence backed up Lee's account he was trying to brake. They also argued his defense attorney did a poor job.

View Comments

Prosecutors had opposed a new trial, saying there was no compelling new evidence.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.