Killer: Victim's son should not speak

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- An inmate on death row in Utah has asked a judge to bar his victim's son from speaking at hearings, arguing he does not have that right under state law.

Ralph Leroy Menzies' request came after Matt Hunsaker spoke at a scheduling hearing, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday. Menzies was sentenced to death for kidnapping and killing Maurine Hunsaker in 1986.

Craig Peterson, one of Menzies' lawyers, said the Victims' Rights Amendment to the Utah Constitution allows victims to be heard at significant court hearings. He said the scheduling hearing does not qualify.

Hunsaker's lawyer, Brandon Simmons, said his client has not commented in hearings on the merits of Menzies' appeal or on the case.

"The victim does have a right to be heard about a speedy disposition," he said.

Menzies' initial appeal of his conviction and sentence was rejected by the Utah Supreme Court but the court reinstated a second appeal with justices finding his lawyer had done "deplorable" work in the first appeal.

The appeal was further delayed because lawyers were unwilling to handle the case for the available compensation.