Saturday, May 18, 2013

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SC man who blames drug for deaths wants new trial
Posted: 08.26.2009 at 8:59 PM
0

WINNSBORO, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina man sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his grandparents wants a new trial.

Attorneys for Christopher Pittman began arguing their case Wednesday, saying his original defense team made mistakes in his trial.

Pittman was 12 when he shot his grandparents and set fire to their Chester County home in 2001. His attorneys unsuccessfully argued the slayings were influenced by the antidepressant Zoloft -- a charge the drug manufacturer vigorously denied.

A Department of Juvenile Justice psychologist testified Wednesday that Pittman struggled after moving to South Carolina a few weeks before the killings.

Pittman is now 20 and is at the courthouse. His lawyer says he will testify during the three-day hearing.

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