An Iowa man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the death of motel clerk in Blue Earth, Minnesota last year. Faribult County District Judge Douglas Richard immediately sentenced 46-year-old Richard Morton of Mason City to life in prison without the chance for parole. Morton was charged with the rape and strangulation of 53-year-old Mary Klatt on May 29th while she worked the overnight shift at the AmericInn Motel. Morton was staying at the motel that night because he was in town working as a roofing contractor. Morton showed no emotion as the verdict was read and did not make a statement to the court before he was sentenced.
