Former Idaho deputy appeals conviction

LEWISTON (AP) - A former Nez Perce County sheriff's deputy is appealing his first-degree murder conviction to the Idaho Supreme Court.

The Lewiston Tribune reports Joseph A. Thomas' attorney filed the notice of appeal earlier this week, claiming 2nd District Judge Michael Griffin wrongly denied some defense motions and should have granted Thomas a new trial.

The 38-year-old Thomas was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in the strangulation death of his ex-wife, Beth Irby-Thomas. The Lewiston woman was found May 1. Her body was under a blanket in her living room, and a belt wrapped tightly around her neck.