A federal judge is rejecting the appeal of South Dakota’s lone death row inmate to overturn his guilty plea.
Prosecutors say Briley Piper and two other men kidnapped, tortured and murdered Chester Allen Poage in 2000.
Piper claims his counsel was ineffective during his sentencing trial where he received the death penalty.
US District Judge Roberto Lange is rejecting that appeal after a hearing last month.
Attorney General Marty Jackley called the ruling a “step forward” in ensuring justice for the Poage family.
Jackley said he expects Piper’s representation to appeal the case to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Any appeal is due by May 1.
