(Okoboji)– Justices with the Iowa Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in the appeal of Heidi Watkins when they convene next week in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Judge Joseph Straub found Watkins guilty of child endangerment in the death of her daughter, two-year-old Shelby Duis. Watkins was acquitted of murder in the case.
She was sentenced to a term not to exceed 50 years in prison.
Watkins has requested a new trial. A witness has claimed Watkins’ boyfriend at the time of Shelby’s death, Jesse Wendelsdorf, had amitted to killing Shelby. Wendelsdorf was acquitted of first degree murder and sex abuse charges in the case.
Spirit Lake attorney Mike Johnson will represent Watkins; an assistant Attorney General will argue on behalf of the state.
The court of appeals will hear the case at 11:15 a.m. Friday, May 31st during the annual Lawyer’s Chautauqua sponsored by Judicial District 3A. The event will be held at Village East Resort in Okoboji.
