New Appeal in From Accused Killing of a Columbia Newspaper Editor

The man accused of the 2001 killing of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt is looking to be released from prison.

According to a news release a new petition was filed by Charles Erickson’s attorney for his client in the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District in Kansas City.

A previous petition for freedom was denied in April last year.

Erickson originally confessed to killing Heitholt, however later claimed his confession was coerced by Columbia Police investigators.

During the investigation Erickson also implicated his friend, Ryan Ferguson, who was also convicted for the killing but later had that conviction overturned.

Erickson has a parole date set for 2023.