Kansas high court upholds conviction in 2005 robbery and killing

The Kansas Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of a 26-year-old man convicted in the robbery and beating death of a Bonner Springs store manager.

John Backus was one of three defendants convicted in the 2005 killing of Robin Bell inside the Dollar General store where she worked.

A Wyandotte County jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery and he was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 50 years plus a consecutive term of about 53 years.