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Death row inmate’s appeal rejected again

Wednesday, April 6, 2005 | 9:29 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- For the fourth time, the Nevada Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of death row inmate Patrick J. Cavanaugh, convicted in 1984 of the fatal shooting of a former singer for the Coasters group in Las Vegas.

Cavanaugh, now 59-years-old and being held in the state prison in Ely, contends he is "very likely actually innocent" and does not deserve the death penalty. He said his trial attorney was ineffective in questioning the jury panel and failed to investigate and present mitigating evidence during the penalty hearing.

He was convicted of shooting of Nathaniel "Buster" Wilson and then chopping off his legs and arms in 1980. The body was found in California.

Prosecutors say Cavanaugh feared that Wilson was going to tell police that he was involved in a phony check scheme.

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