Appeal by man who killed parents rejected again

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- A judge has rejected another appeal by a man convicted of killing his parents in La Crosse County.

Eric Koula represented himself in his latest appeal which was based on ineffective counsel, newly discovered evidence and that another family member had the motive and opportunity to kill his parents.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Scott Horne denied Koula's motion Tuesday, saying Koula could have raised those issues during his earlier appeal. The 4th District Court of Appeals upheld Koula's conviction in 2015.

Prosecutors say Koula shot his parents, Dennis and Merna Koula, in their Barre home in 2010 so he could claim a substantial inheritance. They argued he needed the money because he was deeply in debt.

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