KTKA

Topeka — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the convictions of a homeless man accused of killing a Topeka activist who tried to persuade him to contact his family.

The court on Friday rejected an appeal from Charles Lloyd Hollingsworth III of his first-degree murder and kidnapping convictions.

He and two others were convicted of murder in Shawnee County for the June 2006 death of David Owen. The other two defendants' convictions also have been upheld.

Owen, registered sex offender, formed a group called Homeless Come Home, and frequently attended local government meetings. Authorities say he visited homeless camps regularly.

Authorities say Hollingsworth and his fellow defendants became angry with Owen when he entered their camp. Owen was tied to a tree and suffocated.