Indiana inmate convicted in 1985 prison riot seeks new trial

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) - An inmate in southwestern Indiana serving a 142-year sentence for his involvement in a 1985 prison riot is seeking a new trial.

Christopher Trotter, 56, has filed a motion for post-conviction relief in Madison County Circuit Court, The Herald Bulletin reported . He's seeking a new trial with the Indiana Department of Correction on the grounds that his defense attorney provided him with ineffective assistance.

Trotter was convicted of attempted murder, battery, criminal confinement and rioting at Pendleton Correctional Facility, where he was serving a four-year sentence for a theft conviction.

Court documents say Trotter was one of the inmates who stabbed seven correctional officers and held three officers hostage during the 17-hour riot.

Trotter alleged that he acted in defense of inmate Lincoln Love, who he said was being beaten by guards.

The state Supreme Court affirmed Trotter's conviction in 1990.

Trotter is currently an inmate at the Wabash Valley Correction facility. He has served 35 years of his sentence.

Judge Mark Dudley held a hearing on the issue Thursday but isn't expected to rule on the case for several months.

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Information from: The Herald Bulletin, http://www.theheraldbulletin.com