Ohio appeals court overturns murder convictions

CLEVELAND (AP) — An Ohio appeals court has overturned a man’s conviction in two murders, saying there was not enough evidence to convict him in the case.

Franco Stephens, 33, was convicted in 2007 in a Cleveland shooting that killed two men an injured another. He was sentenced to 30 years to life.

The 8th Ohio District Court of Appeal reversed the conviction on Thursday.

Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor John Kosko says he plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Police say Stephens’ cousin shot and killed Edward Walker and Justin Taylor, both 25, after a fight. They say the two intended to rob the men and others who were playing dice. Under state law, Stephens is liable in the deaths if they happened while he was participating in a related felony — robbery.