Arguments slated in ex-death row inmate’s case

Arguments slated in ex-death row inmate’s case

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — The state Supreme Court hears oral arguments next month on an appeal filed on behalf of a former death row inmate freed from prison but later re-incarcerated on a parole violation.

Fifty-six-year-old Ernest Simmons was convicted in the 1992 slaying of 80-year-old Anna Knaze, but an appeals court ordered a new trial in 2009. Simmons pleaded no contest to third-degree murder and was paroled but was re-imprisoned after allegations of threats at a Clearfield County hospital.

Cambria County prosecutors told The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat that they will argue that a judge acted correctly in revoking his parole. Simmons’ attorney has said he was just blowing off steam.

In agreeing to hear the case, the high court said the threats weren’t relayed and no action was taken to implement them.