A judge has ruled that statements an Army medic made to an investigator after his wife was found killed were coerced.

A possible appeal of her ruling is delaying trial against Pvt. Michael Walker, who is accused of conspiring with his lover to kill his wife.

U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway ruled that prosecutors may not use at trial statements Walker made about his affairs. Mollway says the interrogation produced involuntary statements, partly because Walker was hungry, tired and asked for a lawyer.

Prosecutors told Mollway today they’re awaiting U.S. Department of Justice approval to appeal. Trial was scheduled to begin next week.

Catherine Walker was found stabbed to death in 2014 in the couple’s Honolulu military home.

Michael Walker’s lover, Ailsa Jackson, pleaded guilty to murder in 2015.