Judge rejects motion for new trial for man convicted of killing high school football coach

Judge rejects Iowa man’s request for new trial

ALLISON, Iowa — An Iowa judge has denied Mark Becker’s request for a new trial in the killing of his high school football coach, clearing the way for him to be sentenced for murder.

On Wednesday, Iowa District Court Judge Stephen Carroll rejected the motion in which defense attorney Susan Flander argued the judge improperly refused to issue certain jury instructions she had requested.

Carroll ruled that Flander’s requested jury instructions gave an incomplete version of what would happen to Becker if he were convicted.

Twenty-four-year-old Becker was convicted last month of shooting and killing former Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas in June 2009. He faces a mandatory life sentence.

A jury rejected Becker’s plea that he was not guilty by reason of insanity.