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'Comic Book Killer' Asks Judge To Toss Murder Verdict

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A former comics shop owner convicted twice of the murder of his wife is asking a judge to acquit him or order a new trial in the 1990 Detroit-area slaying.

The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens reports Michael George's lawyer Carl Marlinga argues in court documents filed last week that there was weak evidence and improper tactics at trial.

Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor William Cataldo says he's confident the conviction will stand.

George has maintained his innocence in Barbara George's shooting death at their Clinton Township shop, Comics World.

George was charged with first and second-degree murder, firearm offenses, insurance fraud and false pretenses on claims he shot his wife Barbara in the head in the back room of their Clinton Township shop, Comics World. George later cashed in on her life insurance policies and married his mistress, who is now his wife.

The case made national headlines after a judge set aside a 2008 guilty verdict after finding errors by prosecutors and potential new evidence. George was convicted for the second time in October, following a month-long trial with 36 prosecution witnesses and eight defense witnesses.

George also plans to appeal to the state Court of Appeals.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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