The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of an eastern Iowa man in the death of his young daughter. Twenty-five-year-old Zyriah Schlitter was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death following after his 17-month-old daughter died in 2010 from severe head injuries.
Schlitter’s appeal said statements he made to police violated his Miranda rights and he also claimed his attorney was ineffective in several areas. The Appeals Court ruled Schlitter was not in custody during his interview and there was no issue with his Miranda rights. It also ruled that there was enough evidence for the jury to find Schlitter guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and he was not given ineffective representation by his lawyer.
Schlitter is serving up to 55 years in prison for his conviction.
Here’s the complete ruling: Schlitter ruling PDF