Attorney General's News Release

January 19, 2000

State appeals court affirms conviction of Lebanon man who murdered Mazzio's Pizza manager in 1996

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, last week affirmed the second-degree murder and armed criminal action convictions of Ulysses Ray Deckard, who murdered the manager of the Mazzio's Pizza restaurant in Lebanon in June 1996. Deckard received two concurrent life sentences for the killing of Wade Hisey on June 13, 1996. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon argued against Deckard's appeal.

In rejecting Deckard's appeal, the court found evidence that Deckard had threatened to kill Hisey four months before he fatally shot him inside the restaurant. Deckard unsuccessfully argued in his appeal that the jury that convicted him should have been given instructions regarding voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818