WILKE-BARRE, Pa. — Former escort, adult producer and website entrepreneur Harlow Cuadra is seeking a new trial after being convicted in 2007 of murdering a rival in the gay porn business.
Cuadra, 32, was charged in 2007 of murder in the first degree for slaying Cobra Video owner Bryan Cocis, 44, in his rural Dallas Township home. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Now the Virgina man is pushing for a mistrial, arguing that his original attorneys were not effective. He also claims that the murder was actually committed by his co-defendant, Joseph Kerekes.
According to investigators, Cuadra and Kerekes killed the victim and set his house on fire.
In 2007, Kerekes pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
Cuadra was additionally convicted on charges of theft, robbery, arson and abuse of a corpse.