The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned an appeals court ruling that threw
out the conviction of a Burlington man in his ex-wife's death.
The court ruled Friday that even if the trial court erred in refusing to
let a physical therapist testify, the error was harmless in light of
the "overwhelming evidence" of guilt.
Dennis Richards was convicted of murder and arson after authorities
found Cyd Richards strangled to death in a burning house in 2009.
The appeals court reversed the conviction because the trial court
excluded testimony from a physical therapist who would have suggested
Richards wasn't strong enough to strangle his ex-wife. A new trial was
ordered.
The attorney general's office sought the Supreme Court review.
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