RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal appeals court is set to hear the case of a Virginia man who was sentenced to death for killing a police officer in 2005.
Thomas Porter
Thomas Porter was convicted of capital murder for shooting Norfolk police Officer Stanley Reaves three times in the head.
Porter testified he shot Reaves in self-defense because he feared for his life during an encounter with the officer. Prosecutors said Porter shot Reaves because he had an outstanding warrant and knew he was committing a crime by carrying a gun.
Porter’s lawyers argue that he was convicted and sentenced to death by a biased jury. The defense cites a juror who improperly failed to disclose that his brother was a deputy sheriff.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday.
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