David Folker wants 2nd-degree murder conviction overturned

Convicted murderer David Folker, the Nova Scotia man who is servinga life sentencefor killing his partner Ann Marie Shirran in 2010,is appealing his second-degree murder conviction.

A jury foundFolkerguilty after a lengthy 2013 trial in Supreme Court in St. John's. The trialbegan with Folker admitting he killed Shirranduring an argument.

• David Folker not eligible for parole for 15 years

The defence argued that it was manslaughter not second-degree murder.

Folker, whowill not be eligible for parole until 2028,dumpedShirran'sbody in a remote area of Cappahayden on Newfoundland's Southern Shoreshortly after he killed her in the couple's apartment in theKilbrideneighbourhood of St. John's.

Campers discovered Shirran's desecrated remains weeks after Folker reported to police that Shirran left their apartment after the two got in a fight.

The court was told that Shirran,32, suffered enormous trauma to both sides of her head, and died instantly.The Crown argued thatFolkerkickedShirranviolently in the head.

Shirran and Folker had a son together. The boyis now in elementary school.

The defence is requesting that Folker's conviction be overturned and that a new trial be ordered.

The appeal hearing is slated for Sept. 24.