90-year-old criminal Frank Wetzel dies in prison

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RALEIGH, N.C., July 23 (UPI) -- A 90-year-old convicted murderer, who was the oldest prisoner in North Carolina and one of the state's most notorious criminals, has died in prison.

Frank Wetzel, 90, died in Central Prison in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday. He was serving two life sentences for killing two law enforcement officers Nov. 5, 1957, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported.

Wetzel was convicted of killing one officer in Ellerbe, N.C., and another officer in Sanford, N.C., 20 minutes later. The trial was one of the most notorious and public trials in the history of North Carolina and remained in the public eye as supporters tried to collect evidence proving his innocence.

Wetzel consistently maintained his innocence. He suffered from dementia during the last years of his life.