Supreme Court upholds murder conviction of Benton Co. man
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Updated: April 17, 2007
Cabral had initially claimed that his wife had killed herself. However, an investgation by the medical examiner found fresh bruises on the victim`s body which may have been the result of a fight before her death.
Gunshot residue was also found on one of Cabral`s hands, but not on the victim, leading to the conclusion that the victim was shot from a distance of at least three feet, and not at close range.
Cabral appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that he was inadequately represented in his original trial. Police seized six weapons from Cabral`s home the night of the murder, including the murder weapon. In his appeal, Cabral argued that his lawyer should have objected to the guns being introduced as evidence.
Cabral also objected to the calling of his wife`s aunt as a witness, as well as his lawyer`s failure to get a lesser charge.
However, in the written opinion issued Thursday, the Supreme Court found that Cabral`s appeal did not have merit, and affirmed both his conviction and sentence.
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