Topeka ? Attorneys for convicted murderer Wallace Dixon III told the Kansas Supreme Court that errors by the judge in Dixon’s case tainted the jury and denied him the right to a public trial.

Dixon, 33, was convicted in the July 2001 deaths of Emporia State University student Dana Hudson, 19, and her 13-month-old son, Gabriel.

The two died after an explosion and fire at their Emporia apartment complex. Prosecutors say Dixon and another man caused the explosion during a robbery next door to Hudson, where a stove was kicked over and allowed to leak natural gas. After the men left the building, an unknown spark ignited the gas.

Dixon was sentenced to two life terms, with a chance for parole after 20 years, in addition to 120 years for a number of other crimes.

Sarah Johnson, assistant appellate defender, raised several grounds for a new trial during arguments Thursday before the high court.

Johnson said the Lyon County jury shouldn’t have heard testimony that Dixon called a lawyer after the explosion. She said that testimony was prejudicial and gave the impression that Dixon was guilty because he sought counsel.

Assistant Atty. Gen. Autumn Fox said any errors didn’t overcome the weight of evidence indicating Dixon’s guilt.