ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - This morning, Dougherty County Judge Victoria Johnson ruled that Susan Embert’s right to a speedy trial was not violated, and she will now face a second murder trial for the 2014 murder of her husband, Jake Embert.

This ruling comes after her 2019 conviction was dismissed, and she was released from jail in May 2024.

Since that dismissal, Susan has been walking free, but all that changed today when she was taken back into custody and returned to jail. She was seen in court this morning wiping away tears as this process unfolded.

Jake’s daughter, Rachel Embert says she never agreed with Embert’s release.

“Were in absolute disbelief that she was allowed to be out in society walking amongst people, knowing what she has done,” Rachel said. ”It is very scary and traumatizing, you know, possibly running into her at any given moment.”

Attorney Chris Cohilas told WALB that while it’s unique for a case to go to trial a second time, much about the proceedings will remain the same.

“In a jury trial you can’t exactly invent new evidence, you are having to deal with the cards you’ve been dealt, you just may play them in a different order or fashion,” Cohilas said. “So I think it will be really interesting to see what new strategy may come into play.”

Susan’s bond hearing will be held Friday, August 22 at 3 p.m. A trial date has not yet been set.

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