The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the 1st degree murder conviction handed down to a Keokuk man in 2012.
A jury found Adam Pitman guilty of killing his mother, Rosa Pitman, in August 2011. He was 23 at the time.
Pitman appealed his conviction on two grounds.
He said he should have been acquitted at the district court level because of insufficient evidence.
Pitman says the judge should have also suppressed certain statements.
The three-judge said in its ruling that a reasonable jury could conclude Pitman intended to kill his mother based on his behavior and his unsolicited statements to law enforcement officers.
The ruling also states that any impairment caused by Pitman’s drug use did not prevent him from waiving his Miranda rights.
Pitman's defense focused on drug intoxication and diminished capacity during his trial.
He is serving life in prison for the murder.
