Steven Downs’ defense files motion for acquittal or new trial

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - On February 14, the defense team of Steven Downs requested that he either be acquitted or given a new trial in the 1993 death of Sophie Sergie.

Downs was found guilty of First Degree Murder and First Degree Assault on February 10.

From that day, his defense had 5 days to request a judgment of acquittal or a new trial.

In the motion, Downs’ defense argues that the state “engaged in serious prosecutorial misconduct, perjured testimony and other wrongful behavior.”

The defense first asked for a judgment of acquittal after the state’s presentation. That motion was denied.

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