What was supposed to be a routine status conference in an inmate's petition for post-conviction relief turned in to something unexpected when the defendant spoke for himself.

Lee Lucas has been in prison for nearly 30 years serving a life sentence for the murder of Eric Howard, but alleges the grand jury paperwork that indicted him is fraudulent.

Presiding Commissioner Kina Kimble said to a packed courtroom Wednesday morning that status conferences "of this magnitude" are rare.

The purpose of the proceedings was for Kimble to get a status update on where both sides are in the case. The state was prepared to discuss it's procedural objections to Lucas' petition.

"I think what was uncovered today is going to be groundbreaking," said Meghan Matt, who represents Lucas in his fifth petition

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