HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The brother of Martha Moxley says he's "a little shocked'' that a Connecticut court has reinstated Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel's murder conviction in the 1975 killing of his sister.

But John Moxley called the 4-3 ruling Friday by the state Supreme Court the right decision.

The majority of justices rejected a lower court ruling that Skakel's trial lawyer didn't adequately represent him.

Moxley's mother, Dorthy Moxley, who's in her mid-80s, added, "This is the way it should be. I am very, very happy. It is sinking in, and I could not be more excited, more pleased."

It was unclear if Skakel, now 56 years old, will be sent back to prison or allowed to remain free if he appeals or asks the high court to reconsider.

Skakel's lawyer said he was reviewing the ruling and had no immediate comment.

Skakel, a nephew of Robert F. Kennedy's widow, Ethel Kennedy, was convicted of murder in 2002 and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in the killing of Moxley, who was bludgeoned with a golf club, in Greenwich when they were both 15 years old and neighbors.  His cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a top advocate and this year released a book that argued he's innocent.

But he was freed in 2013 after a judge ruled his trial lawyer made a series of mistakes.  The court found, in part, that Skakel's trial lawyer failed to argue that Skakel's brother could have been responsible for the crime and failed to present a key alibi witness for Skakel.

Tommy Skakel's attorney has said his client had nothing to do with the slaying.

Trial lawyer Michael Sherman had defended his work.