Dorothy Newell

Zachary Adams, former lead defense attorney, has testified before a Hardin County judge that she does not believe...

She was a competent, effective capital defender during Adams' 2017 trial.

She was depressed, she told the court, overwhelmed by an electronic discovery dump, and facing a judge she believed would get a conviction no matter what.

During the trial, prosecutors instead relied largely on Autry's testimony, along with statements attributed to John Dylan Adams.

and several jailhouse witnesses who claim Zachary Adams made incriminating comments.

Attorney Jennifer Thompson alleges after reviewing the discovery, she believes Autry crafted his statement and other witnesses followed along.

What's more, the judge denied her request for Austin's former attorney to join her trial team, leaving her with more digital discovery than she could handle alone.

Thompson said she considered withdrawing but didn't because she was afraid Adams would be pressured into a plea.

A judge is now considering what Thompson says she failed to do at trial.

In essence, her ineffectiveness at trial.

Zachary Adams' bid for a new trial continues at the end of this month, December 29th and 30th, for the state's remaining witnesses and closing arguments.

A written ruling is expected to be issued within 60 days of the hearing's conclusion.

If the judge grants Adams relief,

Prosecutors would have to decide whether to retry Adams or walk away.

We saw the defense team walk in with no word.

Walsh came in with a bailiff, shackled.

Have you made a decision about whether you wish to testify at this trial?

And what is your decision?

Hey, Lester.

Thanks for having me.