West Salem man ready with another appeal in murder conviction of his parents

It was eight years ago this month that Eric Koula of West Salem was charged with shooting his parents to death.

Koula, convicted by jury of the murders in 2012, and denied an appeal just last year, is now attempting a second appeal.

He is claiming that his defense attorneys did not investigate a relative who may have had a financial motive to murder Dennis and Merna Koula, killed at 68 and 65, respectively, in their Barre Mills home in 2010.

Prosecutors originally said Eric Koula shot his parents for their money, after he piled up large debts trading stocks on the internet.

A key piece of evidence in the case was the reported claim that shortly before the murders, Dennis Koula threatened to stop giving money to his children.

The defense initially argued that the shootings may have been committed by a hired killer, who went to the wrong house near the Fox Hollow Golf Course. And, that Eric Koula was miles away at Bridgeview Plaza, buying an anniversary gift for his wife.

The Koula case has received national attention, featured on the CBS show 48 Hours (watch the episode here).

Eric Koula is serving two life sentences for the murders.

There is a Facebook page called Eric Koula is Innocent. Its last post, July 18, says a website is being made.