Appeal denied in George Co. murder case

Associated Press - November 10, 2009 3:24 PM ET

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The state Court of Appeals has denied a claim by convicted murderer Julius Kiker that his trial was tainted because one his attorneys also was representing a prosecution witness in an unrelated case.

Kiker was convicted in George County in 2003 for the murder of his wife and was sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was upheld in 2006 by the Mississippi Supreme Court.

In a post-conviction petition, an inmate argues he has found new evidence - or a possible constitutional issue - that could persuade a court to order a new trial.

The Appeals Court on Tuesday said that the lawyer cited by Kiker did not have an active role in Kiker's defense. The lawyer also notified the court and prosecutors when he realized the conflict.