Mother of Shelby Duis appeals her conviction

The Spirit Lake woman convicted of multiple child-endangerment charges in the death of her daughter, Shelby Duis, is appealing that conviction. The Iowa Court of Appeals is traveling to Okoboji next Friday to hear Heidi Watkins’ argument. Spirit Lake attorney Mike Johnson says they’ll try to get the charges she was convicted on thrown out. Judge Joseph Straub sentenced Watkins to up to 50 years in prison in December 2000. Her ex-boyfriend and roommate, Jesse Wendelsdorf, was acquitted of murder and sex-abuse charges in the case. Watkins’ attorney says they’re also questioning Judge Straub’s denial of a request for a new trial after a witness claimed Wendelsdorf had admitted to killing Shelby. The Court of Appeals will hear arguments next Friday morning.