McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- A federal court has rejected an Oklahoma death row inmate's appeal in the killings of a Pittsburg County woman and her adult son more than 16 years ago.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected claims Monday from James Chandler Ryder, who was convicted in the 1999 deaths of Daisy and Sam Hallum. Ryder was sentenced to death for Daisy Hallum's bludgeoning death and life in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of her son.
Among other things, the appeals court rejected claims that Ryder's attorney was ineffective by not fully investigating his mental health and competency to stand trial on the murder charges.
Court records indicate the victims were killed following a dispute over Ryder's personal property.
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