Most Appeals For “Dr. Death” Denied

August 29, 2019 3:47 am

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. (Photo:  WPXI)