Lawyers for 33-year-old Mario Swain contended his confessions to the December 2002 slaying of 46-year-old Lola Nixon of Longview improperly were admitted at his capital murder trial. They also argued his trial lawyers were deficient and jury selection was improper.
The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Wednesday refused the claims, moving Swain a step closer to execution.
Nixon apparently came home while Swain was in her house and was attacked. Her body was thrown in the trunk of her car and dumped in a field.
Swain does not have an execution date.
