APPEAL
Cop killer seeks new trial

The Coudersport man convicted of murdering a Kane Borough police officer nearly nine years ago is appealing his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Attorney Sam Stretton of West Chester recently filed the appeal on behalf of 27-year-old Timothy Williams. The high court agrees to hear only a small percentage of cases, but Stretton maintains the thirddegree murder conviction is a travesty of justice that must be reversed.

Williams is accused of killing Officer Steve Jerman in February 1999 after a traffic stop in the borough. Williams claimed that he could not recall the episode due to an alcohol blackout. He was injured in an exchange of gunfire with the officer.

Attorney Stretton points to hearsay evidence showing that another occupant of the Williams car made boastful statements claiming that she pulled the trigger.

Williams is serving a term of 22 to 47 years in the state prison at Huntingdon.

Stretton acknowledged that the chances of this case being heard by the Supreme Court are not very good.

"It's always a long shot, but I thought the issue was very important," Stretton said. "We've fought so long and will continue to fight it."

McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock has until Monday to respond to Stretton's motion.