Conviction erased for man serving life sentence

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal appeals court has overturned a first-degree murder conviction and thrown out incriminating statements by a man serving a life sentence for a 2000 Detroit homicide. In a 2-1 decision last Friday, the court focused on an unusual set of facts. Kevin J. Moore had asked police to call a lawyer when he was being interviewed about the fatal shooting of a woman, Hyshanti Johns. After the lawyer couldn't be reached, Moore made statements that were used against him. Moore says those words should be thrown out because he wanted a lawyer. But police say it was Moore who freely initiated the conversation. The appeals court sided with Moore, saying he didn't waive his right to an attorney. He'll now go free unless another trial is held within six months. Published: Tue, Dec 4, 2012