Missouri Supreme Court declines to halt execution of a man who killed 2 in 2006

By JIM SALTER
Associated Press

The Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to halt the execution of Brian Dorsey, who is scheduled to die next month for killing his cousin and her husband 18 years ago. Judge W. Brent Powell wrote in the unanimous decision that Dorsey “has not demonstrated he is actually innocent” of the killing. Powell also wrote that the state Supreme Court previously turned aside Dorsey’s claim that his trial lawyer was ineffective, and he is barred from raising that claim again. It was unclear if Dorsey would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Dorsey’s attorney, Megan Crane, said he would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Dorsey turns 52 on Thursday. His execution is scheduled for April 9.