American still argues for his innocence after being convicted of murder in Nicaraguan court

SAN JUAN DEL SUR, Nicaragua -- A young American is serving a long prison term in Nicaragua after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend.

The case became a big tabloid story in Central America and fanned anti-American feelings.

In November, Eric Volz, 27, was arrested and charged with murdering his girlfriend.

Police said he hog-tied Doris Jimenez, raped her and choked her to death.

Volz was convicted five weeks ago and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He claims he was in Managua -- a two hour drive away -- at the time of the murder and says he has 10 witnesses to prove it, including a housekeeper and security guard at his office in Managaua.

But seven of his witnesses never testified as the judge said they weren't needed.

Tensions were running high outside the courthouse. At one point, Volz was chased by an angry mob.

The victim's mother says Jimenez was murdered, because she started seeing another man.

Volz' mother is now in Nicaragua, and she's beside herself. Maggie Anthony said she fears her son's life is in danger

Volz is being held at a maximum-security prison east of Managaua.

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