Conviction upheld for former Pitt researcher convicted in wife's cyanide death

PITTSBURGH — The former University of Pittsburgh researcher who was convicted of killing his wife with cyanide will not get a new trial.

Dr. Robert Ferrante was convicted of first-degree murder for killing his wife in 2013.  He appealed his conviction to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in October 2017.  The court upheld his conviction Thursday.

TRENDING NOW:

• Ann Curry speaks out about Matt Lauer sexual harassment allegations in new interview
• Man, woman found dead in apparent murder-suicide
• Teen accused of killing acquaintance who sold him paprika instead of pot
• RAW VIDEO: Interview with Dakota James' mother about his death, her new mission

Prosecutors said Ferrante killed Dr. Autumn Klein, 41, by lacing an energy drink with cyanide and giving it to her under the guise of promoting fertility.

Ferrante’s attorneys argued the case needed to be sent back to a lower court for review because of problems with evidence.

According to court documents, Ferrante’s attorney said there was insufficient evidence for the first-degree murder conviction.  The attorney also claimed search warrants were overly broad and that the prosecution withheld evidence.

Cox Media Group