Conviction upheld for Krishna Maharaj in 1986 double murder

Judge says 'evidence falls dramatically short' of proving British businessman's innocence

MIAMI – A British businessman seeking to overturn his conviction in a 1986 double murder in Miami has lost his bid for a new trial.

Miami-Dade County Judge Williams Thomas denied the request by attorneys for Krishna Maharaj in court Friday morning.

Recommended Videos



Maharaj was found guilty of killing a father and son at a downtown Miami hotel more than 25 years ago. Derrick Moo Young and his son, Duane Moo Young, were found shot to death execution-style at the Dupont Plaza Hotel in October 1986.

A four-day hearing was held in November to present new evidence.

Maharaj's attorneys presented a sworn affidavit from an unnamed witness alleging their client was framed by Miami police officers. Instead, the affidavit claims, the victims were killed by a cartel hit man.

Thomas said he "fully considered" all the evidence presented at the hearing.

"Such consideration commands this court to conclude that the evidence presented is not of such a nature to create a reasonable doubt as to Mr. Maharaj's innocence," Thomas said.

Thomas added that the "evidence falls dramatically short of establishing that the murders were created by anyone other than Mr. Maharaj."

Ben Kuehne, who represents Maharaj, called the judge's decision "simply disappointing" and said he plans to appeal.

"It begs the question how much evidence is necessary to undermine a criminal conviction -- a homicide case -- that got the wrong man," Kuehne said.

Maharaj, who turns 76 later this month, is serving a life sentence.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10