Spann, of West Palm Beach, has since appealed his conviction and sentence on several grounds, most recently saying that among other things his trial attorney, Robert Udell, was ineffective in not putting Spann's brother, Leo, on the stand during his trial to corroborate his claim that he was at his aunt's house at the time of the abduction and murder. Spann also claimed that Udell failed in not trying harder to discredit Philmore, of Lake Park, as a witness.

Lower courts have rejected those claims and, according to the opinion released Thursday, the Florida Supreme Court believes they were right in doing so.