JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Supreme Court declined Thursday to hear the appeal of a Byhalia man who argued he deserved a new trial because he received poor legal advice when he pleaded guilty to the 2002 slaying of his mother-in-law.
The state Court of Appeals denied Kep Lafoon’s appeal last year.
Records show Kep Lafoon pleaded guilty to murder in 2002 in Marshall County Circuit Court to avoid a possible death penalty in the slaying of Barbara Meek. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Prosecutors say Lafoon stole Meek took her hostage, driving her to Tennessee and back in an attempt to force a meeting with his estranged wife.
After returning to Byhalia, Lafoon wrecked the truck and fatally show Meek during a standoff with police.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.