New trial for man who killed grandparents

CHARLESTON, S.C., July 28 (UPI) -- A South Carolina judge has ordered a new trial for a young man who killed his grandparents when he was 12, finding he was not properly advised of a plea deal.

The South Carolina attorney general said Tuesday it would appeal the decision, The Herald, Rock Hill, S.C., reported.

Christopher Pittman, now 21, has been serving a 30-year sentence. He was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder when he was 15.

At the trial, his lawyers attempted the so-called Zoloft defense, arguing that the prescription antidepressant had altered Pittman's behavior.

Circuit Court Judge Roger Young ruled Tuesday that Pittman's lawyers did not discuss the possibility of a plea bargain with his guardian ad litem. Young also said they did not explain to their young client that entering a plea could substantially reduce his sentence.

Pittman sued his lawyers last year. During the three-day trial, he said his lawyers, who specialized in civil cases against drug companies, did not tell him jurors could convict him even if they thought Zoloft played a part in the killings.

The bodies of Joe and Joy Pittman were found in their burning home. Pittman escaped in their truck and was found in Cherokee County by hunters.