Murray to appeal murder conviction

A former Kansas State University professor is preparing the appeal his first-degree murder conviction, but an attorney said it was too early to talk about what issues would be raised.

“We’re still in the review-of-the-record phase,” said Bob Eye, a defense attorney for Thomas E. Murray. “I think the issues will emerge as we work our way through it.”

They’ll review nearly every ruling made by Judge Robert Fairchild, including decisions about what evidence to allow at trial.

Appeals for first-degree murder automatically go to the Kansas Supreme Court. The process, which will include written arguments and likely oral arguments in Topeka, could last into 2006 or beyond.

Murray was sentenced earlier this month to life in prison for the November 2003 stabbing and beating of his ex-wife, Carmin D. Ross, at her home northwest of Lawrence.

Schools

LHS graduate winner of Chevrolet Cavalier

A Lawrence High School graduate was the winner of a car during Sunday night’s Project Graduation at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

“I was so excited,” Reagon Heikes said Monday. “I’m still in shock.”

Heikes, the daughter of Pam Heikes, won the top prize at the event, a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier donated by Crown Chevrolet. In addition, there were about $8,000 worth of donated prizes given out to students, including gift certificates, CDs, television sets and cash.

Heikes said she wasn’t sure what she would do with the car because she already has a newer model car. Nevertheless, she said she welcomed the prize.

Project Graduation is an annual post-graduation, nonalcoholic party for graduates of Lawrence and Free State high schools and for graduates of other schools in Lawrence. More than 500 students attended this year’s party, organizers said.

Courts

Arson trial begins for former KU student

Trial was scheduled to begin Monday in Olathe for a former Kansas University student charged with setting 14 fires throughout Johnson County in March 2004.

David R. Jay, 24, also is suspected in three fires set in Lawrence in the same month, including one at Watson Library. If prosecutors decided to pursue those charges, he wouldn’t come to Douglas County until his case in Johnson County ended.

Previous testimony indicated Jay told police he was feeling suicidal, wanted to see spectacular blazes and set the fires using starter logs from Wal-Mart.

His mother has said that after the arrest he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which is essentially high-functioning autism; attention deficit disorder, mild cognitive delay and a form of psychosis.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gas price as low as $1.96 at Citgo, 2005 W. Ninth St. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.