Man Appeals Conviction in Murder of Gay Porn Rival

A Virginia man convicted in the murder of a rival in the gay porn business in northeastern Pennsylvania is seeking a new trial, arguing that his attorneys weren't effective and claiming his co-defendant committed the murder.

Thirty-two-year-old Harlow Cuadra of Virginia Beach, Va., was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2007 slaying of 44-year-old Bryan Kocis in his rural Dallas Township home.

The (Wilkes-Barre) Times Leader said Cuadra's former attorneys testified Friday in Luzerne County Court that they made his case a priority and spent much time and effort preparing for trial. The attorneys also said Cuadra withheld information from them.

Investigators said Cuadra and 26-year-old Joseph Kerekes killed the victim and set his house on fire.

Kerekes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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