CARSON CITY – The Nevada Supreme Court, which once reversed the murder conviction of Leonard W. Hill, has now upheld his first-degree murder conviction in the strangulation of his live-in girlfriend in Las Vegas.
Hill was sentenced to 20 years to life for the killing of Robin Martin in their apartment in December 2005.
At the first trial, a police detective testified that a DNA analysis wasn't conducted of the evidence because it would have been time-consuming and complicated.
The Supreme Court granted Hill a new trial in 2008 because of prosecutorial misconduct and the erroneous admission of expert testimony.
A DNA test was then conducted and introduced at the second trial. Attorneys for Hill sought to recall the detective to question her about the delay.
But District Judge Michelle Leavitt denied the motion on grounds it would open the door to discussion of Hill’s previous trial and conviction. She held this could unfairly prejudice the jury at Hill's second trial.
The Supreme Court upheld the decision of Leavitt and said “We commend the district court for properly balancing Hill’s due process rights with judicial efficiency.”
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