Convicted Murderer Pursues New Trial

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – A man on death row for killing two university students is continuing his request for a new trial.

Willie Jerome Manning is requesting a new trial from the U.S. Supreme Court. Manning says his defense was ineffective and that a portion of black residents from Oktibbeha County were excluded from his jury selection. In July the 5th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals turned Manning down stating he filed his post-conviction claim too late.

If the request is denied the Attorney Generals Office will ask to have an execution day set. Manning is on death row for the murder of two Mississippi State students back in 1992.