SJC Denies Appeal In Truro Fashion Writer's Death

The highest court in Massachusetts has rejected a new trial for a black trash collector convicted of raping and murdering a white Cape Cod fashion writer.

The defense argued that racial bias tainted deliberations during Christopher McCowen's trial in the 2002 killing of Christa Worthington. The Supreme Judicial Court rejected those arguments Friday.

McCowen's attorney says he's disappointed and plans to seek a review of the case in federal court.

The district attorney said the trial was fair and the ruling is consistent with "the overwhelming evidence."

McCowen, who was Worthington's trash collector, told police he and Worthington had consensual sex at her home. He said his friend stabbed her after she confronted him about rifling through her belongings.

The 46-year-old Worthington covered fashion in New York and Paris before moving to the small town of Truro.