Judge Dismisses Most Appeal Arguments In Cyanide Poisoning Death

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A judge has dismissed most of the latest appeal arguments by a former University of Pittsburgh medical researcher in what prosecutors said was the cyanide poisoning death of his wife in 2013.

But Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Manning said 69-year-old Robert Ferrante is due a hearing on whether his previous attorneys erred in withdrawing a request to have his case heard by a jury chosen from outside Allegheny County.

He also on Tuesday sought expanded arguments on other issues.

The defense has been seeking a new trial for Ferrante, who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole in the April 2013 death of 41-year-old Dr. Autumn Klein.

Prosecutors say he put cyanide in her energy drink, which text messages show he urged her to drink.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)