Judge denies Briley Piper's appeal of death sentence conviction

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Briley Wayne Piper, the sole inmate on South Dakota's death row, has had his latest appeal for overturning his conviction rejected. U.S. District Judge Roberto Lange dismissed Piper's federal petition for a writ of habeas corpus during a hearing on February 28.

Piper was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of Chester Poage in 2000 near Spearfish. Among his co-defendants, Elijah Page was executed in 2007, while Darrell Hoadley is currently serving a life sentence. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley emphasized the importance of the court's decision, stating it moves towards fulfilling the jury's verdict and ensuring justice for the Poage family.

In his ruling, Judge Lange found no validity in Piper's claims regarding ineffective counsel, and he firmly declined Piper's request to overturn his death sentence. This determination reinforces the gravity of the crime for which Piper was convicted.

While Piper's recent attempt has failed, he retains the option to appeal Judge Lange's ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This appeal process may provide Piper with another opportunity to contest his conviction.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to highlight the complexities surrounding capital punishment and the legal system's efforts to address serious criminal offenses.