State asks judge to dismiss Price appeal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The state has filed a motion asking a federal judge to dismiss a bid from convicted murderer Craig Price to overturn his sentence.

In documents filed with the court, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin asks for a dismissal of Price's motion to overturn a 25-year contempt sentence, arguing that Price repeatedly refused court orders to participate in psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Price admitted in 1989 to brutally killing 27 year-old Rebecca Spencer in July 1987, and killing 28 year-old Joan Heaton and her two girls, ages 8 and 10, in September 1989.  A court-appointed guardian attempted unsuccessfully to convince Price, a juvenile, to participate in the court-ordered treatment program.

Kilmartin's office argues that the state Supreme Court has already rejected Price's prior arguments to overturn his sentence, which Price argues is excessive.  Price is currently incarcerated in Florida.