Convicted man Michael Ledford challenges death sentence

Jan 24, 2011 - 20:52
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Convicted man Michael Ledford challenges death sentence
Michael Ledford

ATLANTA -- The man sentenced to death for sexually assaulting and then murdering a 54-year-old mother along a popular suburban Atlanta bike trail is asking Georgia's top court to toss out his sentence.

Michael Ledford was convicted of the July 2006 slaying of Jennifer Ewing, who was ambushed during her regular 25-mile bike ride along the Silver Comet Trail, a former railroad bed that stretches from Smya to Alabama.

He is set to ask the Georgia Supreme Court to overtu his conviction on Monday because he claims dozens of errors were made during the 2009 trial. Among them, he says, was a judge's refusal to move it to another venue due to pre-trial publicity.

Prosecutors dismiss the challenges in a 232-page brief and urge the top court to affirm Ledford's death

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.