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2 Men Accused Of Killing 3 Kids Seek New Trial

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Two men tried twice and convicted once in the near beheadings of their three young relatives have asked Maryland's highest court for a new trial. 

Policarpio Espinoza Perez and Adan Espinoza Canela were convicted in 2006 at their second trial; the first ended in a hung jury. They received life sentences in the deaths in 2004 of 8-year-old Lucero Espinoza; her 9-year-old brother, Ricardo Espinoza; and their 10-year-old male cousin, Alexis Espejo Quezada. 

The lawyers argued Tuesday before the Court of Appeals that the second trial judge's failure to properly disclose six jury notes was not harmless. 

Assistant Attorney General Diane Keller contended the notes did not affect the verdict. 

The court gave no indication of when it would decide the case. 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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