
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 6, 1990                   TAG: 9003062054
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS JUSTUS DEATH SENTENCE

The first-degree murder conviction and death sentence imposed on a man who raped and murdered a pregnant woman in Montgomery County in 1978 has been upheld by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The appeals court ruled Monday on the appeal of Buddy Earl Justus, who was convicted of the Oct. 3, 1978, rape slaying of Ida Mae Moses. Moses, more than eight months pregnant at her death, was shot with her own gun.

A jury found him guilty of both rape and capital murder and sentenced him to death. That conviction was overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court because of an error in jury selection.

A second jury also found Justus guilty and sentenced him to death.

- Associated Press

by CNB