State v. Ryan

Hendry, C J.

I. INTRODUCTION

Michael W. Ryan (Ryan) appeals the denial of his second motion for postconviction relief, wherein the district court found that Ryan was not entitled to any relief regarding his conviction and sentence of death for the murder of James Thimm. Ryan’s postconviction claims involve two primary issues: (1) an alleged ex parte communication between his sentencing judge and Thimm family members prior to the judge imposing sentence and (2) newly asserted allegations that Ryan was incompetent to stand trial for Thimm’s murder. For the reasons set forth in this opinion, we…