We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Conviction, sentence upheld for man who killed grandson

Peter Draper
Peter Draper

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and more than 100-year sentence of a man who killed his 2-year-old grandson.

Peter Draper, of Naponee, was convicted last year of intentional child abuse resulting in death and intentional child abuse resulting in serious injury. An autopsy concluded Joseph Rinehart Jr. died on April 30, 2012, of several injuries, including a perforated bowel, fractured skull and pelvis.

It was the second time Draper was convicted in the case, after the Nebraska Supreme Court ordered a new trial for him because prosecutors wrongly called his wife as a witness.

In its ruling Friday, the high court found no merit to Draper’s arguments that there insufficient evidence to convict him and that his sentences were excessive.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File