The Kansas Court of Appeals has affirmed a Riley County District Court judgment in a nearly six year old murder case. Former Fort Riley soldier Daniel Parker had appealed, claiming his trial attorney’s representation had been deficient because the attorney didn’t fully investigate the victim more and failed to keep Parker adequately informed before trial.
Parker was convicted by a Riley County jury of felony murder in the shooting death of a Kansas National Guard member– Frederick Beverly, 21, was shot early the morning of January 1, 2012, in what was called a “drive-by” shooting at a motorcycle club’s clubhouse in Manhattan. Parker was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 20 years. After his direct appeal was denied, he filed a habeas corpus claim, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel.
In an 11 page opinion, the Higher Court affirmed the district court’s judgement, indicating that on both allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel, Parker has failed to show that his attorney’s performance fell below constitutionally required minimum standards for legal representation.
