The Georgia Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the double-murder convictions of an Effingham County man.
Craig Heidt was convicted in Dec. 2010 of the shotgun deaths of his father, Philip Martin Heidt, 59, and his brother, Carey Albert Heidt, 32. He was also convicted of shooting his mother, Linda Heidt. Linda Heidt, who was 58 at the time of the shootings was gravely injured but survived the attack.
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Heidt was sentenced to two life terms plus 85 years.
Heidt’s attorney, W. Dow Bonds, Bonds told the Justices during oral arguments in September of 2012, that his client was wrongfully convicted based on withheld evidence and court error.
Bonds also told the panel that the prosecution didn’t prove its case and that the case was not thoroughly investigated.
Justice Keith Blackwell wrote in today’s opinion, “However, we conclude that the evidence in this case was sufficient to authorize a rational trier of fact to find Heidt guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the crimes for which he was convicted.”
The killings occurred at the Heidt family home about 3 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008, on Springfield-Egypt Road.
Both Philip Heidt and Carey Heidt were found shot to death in their beds. Linda Heidt was in her bedroom when she was shot as she exited the master bathroom. She was found bleeding in the kitchen by first responders after she made a desperate call to 911 for help.