ASHDOWN, Ark. (AP) — An Ashdown man who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for killing an Ashdown woman in 2008 is asking for a new trial.
The Texarkana Gazette reports that 37-year-old Derrick Robertson — representing himself — is asking for the new trial in Little River Circuit Court. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 13.
Robertson was convicted in the shooting death of Patricia Norwood. He testified that he shot Norwood while they fought after he told her to stop selling drugs to his mother.
Robertson's request says his attorney failed to investigate his commitment to the Arkansas State Hospital, that he has never been properly treated for mental illness and that he needs a mental evaluation.
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