Convicted killer faults efforts of defense attorney.

Byline: Brian Lazenby

Jul. 7--A Chattanooga man serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for beating his grandmother to death as she slept claims his attorney was ineffective during his trial.

Daniel Decker, who was 16 on Aug. 9, 2001, when he was charged as an adult with bludgeoning 60-year-old Judith Decker to death with a fire poker, has filed a court petition claiming his defense attorney should have done more to defend him during his trial.

Mr. Decker was convicted of first-degree murder.

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Rebecca Stern appointed attorney Robin Flores to assist Mr. Decker and gave him until Aug. 24 to …