The attorney for a man convicted in a 2014 murder and arson in Crawford County is seeking a new trial for his client. According to the Omaha World-Herald, Attorney Michael Williams filed a motion in Crawford County District Court on Wednesday, requesting a new trial for 26-year old Michael David Schenk, of Denison, who was convicted on Jan. 28th of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree arson, in connection with the March 2014 murders of 80-year old Marvin Huelsing, of Maple River and 81-year old Alice Huisenga, of Arcadia. Their badly burned bodies were found on Huelsing’s farm between Deloit and Denison.

Williams’ motion contends that the verdict was contrary to the evidence in the case. It also says the court erred in several ways, including overruling the defense’s objection to the introduction of a Walmart receipt that was used to connect Schenk to a pickup found at the scene. Schenk’s sentencing is March 13th.

Schenk and a codefendant, 19-year old Jayden Ray Chapman, of Denison each were initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson. The arson charge against Schenk was reduced during the trial. Chapman’s trial is set for April 28.

A third defendant, 37-year old Erika Dains, of Denison pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree burglary and misdemeanor accessory after the fact. As part of a plea agreement, she testified for the prosecution in Schenk’s trial.