Life sentence upheld for man found guilty of triple murder in 2002
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A man who was sentenced to life in prison more than 20 years ago for a triple murder had his sentence reaffirmed on Monday.
Deandra Buchanan, 51, was found guilty by a jury in 2002 on three counts of first-degree murder. He was initially sentenced to death but was resentenced to life in prison without parole in 2003. Buchanan was not present for the resentencing hearing.
The defense wanted a new hearing where a judge sentences him to life in prison without parole, allowing them to enter a new appeal. The prosecution argued that the challenge was not timely, and the previous judgment was final.
Judge Jeff Harris denied the defense’s motion for a resentencing on Monday.