PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A Maine judge has denied a request for a new trial for a man serving a life sentence for a rape and killing in 1994
The Portland Press Herald reports Justice Roland Cole this week dismissed 51-year-old Foster Bates’ third petition for post-conviction review. He’ll likely continue trying to clear his name.
Bates was convicted in 2002 in the death of 22-year-old Tammy Dickson, who was found bound and gagged in her South Portland apartment Feb. 20, 1994.
Bates’ attorney says the two had a consensual sexual relationship but that Bates didn’t kill Dickson. A judge has allowed new DNA testing in the matter.
Bates’ latest request argued two women have provided new information about the night Dickson was killed. But the state said his appeal wasn’t filed by deadline.
