On Friday, September 12, 2025, Eyewitness News reported that New York State Supreme Court Justice Bernadette Clark will not recuse herself from further proceedings in the case of Kaitlyn Conley. Judge Clark has also decided not to unseal the case file and evidence that was presented during Conley’s previous conviction related to the death of Dr. Mary Yoder.
Conley was initially convicted of manslaughter in 2017, after her first trial on murder charges resulted in a hung jury. Following her conviction, Conley filed several appeals, which eventually led to the overturning of her indictment by the New York State Appellate Court. The Appellate Court’s decision was based on the grounds that certain evidence, specifically information obtained from a cell phone, was illegally obtained. However, the court’s decision was made without prejudice, which allowed the Oneida County District Attorney the option to represent the case to a Grand Jury.
Upon the case being assigned to Judge Clark, she ordered Conley’s release from prison in February of this year. At that time, Judge Clark sealed both the case files and all evidence pertaining to the case. This action effectively prevented the Oneida County District Attorney, Todd Carville, from utilizing any of the sealed material against Conley in any further attempts at an indictment.
In June 2025, District Attorney Carville filed a motion seeking Judge Clark’s recusal from the case. The motion was based on an alleged conversation at a holiday party where Judge Clark was purportedly overheard saying that Conley was innocent and that another party was responsible for Dr. Yoder’s death. Former Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara and Oneida County Executive Chief of Staff Kevin Revere were identified as the two individuals who allegedly overheard the judge’s comments. During a hearing addressing the motion for recusal, Judge Clark denied making the alleged comments.
In her written decision to the court, Judge Clark stated that she had never commented on the Conley case. She further added, “This court has carefully reviewed and considered the affirmations, memoranda, and exhibits provided by the parties… After this thorough review and after searching my conscience, I have absolutely no reservation whatsoever that I have been and can continue to be fair and impartial in this case.”
Eyewitness News reached out to the District Attorney’s office for comments on any potential plans regarding the case. District Attorney Carville responded that his office is currently reviewing Judge Clark’s decision and will be considering their available options. Currently, Kaitlyn Conley has no pending charges.
Source: Eyewitness News
