About 2 1/2 months ago, a three-justice panel from California's 2nd District Court of Appeal noted that Santos Grimaldi, Melvin Sandoval and Rogelio Contreras raised a plethora of challenges to either their convictions or sentences, but found that their substantive challenges lack merit.
In June, Richard Satchwell was sentenced to life for the murder of his wife, Tina - a conviction that brought relief to a grieving family, and closure to a community that had searched and waited for six long years. But Satchwell says the court and jury got it wrong. Now, from behind the walls of Limerick Prison, he's preparing an appeal on at least six grounds, insisting he never intended to kill Tina.
I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin, he told the court. In regards to the murders of Heather and Gail and Don, I am compelled to seek justice. Now I am no longer Erin Patterson's victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness. Wilkinson said he bore Patterson no ill will and his prayer for her was that she would use her time in custody to reform.
