U.S. Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Missouri Death Penalty Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has heard arguments in the case of William Weaver , whose lawyers are appealing the hit man’s death sentence in a 1987 killing in Normandy in St. Louis County.

Weaver was hired, 20 years ago, to shoot a witness in a federal drug case. The question of whether Weaver shot and killed Charles Taylor is not at issue.

What began the legal wrangling were remarks, during the trial, by then St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney "Buzz" Westfall. Westfall made a reference to World War II General George S. Patton telling troops it is sometimes necessary to kill to do what is right. Weaver’s attorneys argue this so inflamed the jury that their client was denied a fair trial. Lower courts have agreed, sending the case to the Supreme Court, which will now decide.