PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals denied appellate relief to Donald Moeller. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld the South Dakota Supreme Court and the Federal District Court on all issues. The Court rejected Moeller’s claim that jury instructions on life without possibility of parole were insufficient. It also found that Moeller’s trial counsel were not ineffective.
“The family of Becky O’Connell has waited 21 years for closure and to see justice. We are a significant step closer to carrying out the jury’s sentence,” said Jackley.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Friday, August 12, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
