Americans jailed over 2011 murder fail with attempt to appeal

Two United States citizens have failed with an attempt to launch an appeal to the Supreme Court against their convictions and sentences.

The men are serving prison terms over the murder of a young man in Windhoek in January 2011.

The two Americans’ applications to be allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court were dismissed by judge Christie Liebenberg in the Windhoek High Court on Monday.

Liebenberg ruled that there was nothing showing the sentences he imposed on Marcus Thomas (39) and Kevan Townsend (38) at the end of their trial in October last year were improper.

The judge also ruled that there are no prospects of success for an appeal against their convictions.

The charges on which Thomas and Townsend were found guilty in September last year include counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.

The charges were connected to the murder of a Namibian man, Andre Heckmair (25), who was killed when he was shot in the head in a car in Windhoek on 7 January 2011.

Liebenberg sentenced Thomas, who was also convicted of attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, to an effective prison term of 30 years, while Townsend was sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment.

Thomas and Townsend were held in custody from their arrest on 7 Janua

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