Death Sentence Upheld in Moeller Case
(Pierre) – Circuit Court Judge Gene Paul Kean has upheld the conviction and death sentence of Donald Moeller. Moeller was convicted for the 1990 rape and murder of a 9-year old Sioux Falls girl.
“I’m very pleased with the decision. It’s proof that our system works,” said Attorney General Mark Barnett.
Moeller went before the court in February with numerous claims that included he had ineffective legal counsel and that evidence was wrongfully admitted at trial. All of Moeller’s claims were rejected by the court on Friday.
Moeller has the option of appealing this ruling in the South Dakota Supreme Court.
“This is just the next step in this death penalty case,” said Barnett.
This case was handled by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office in conjunction with the Lincoln County States Attorney’s Office.
Moeller was originally convicted in 1992, retried and convicted again in 1997. Moeller has remained on death row since his 2nd conviction.
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