Convicted killer wins appeal over being his own lawyer

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court has overturned the murder conviction and life sentence of a Macomb County man because a judge didn't properly handle his request to represent himself. Dwayne Wilson was convicted in 2009 of fatally shooting the new boyfriend of his former girlfriend. Prosecutors say he was jealous and shot the victim three times in Warren. The appeals court this week said there's "overwhelming evidence" against Wilson, but the case must start over because Judge Matthew Switalski didn't properly handle the defendant's request to be his own lawyer on the first day of trial. The court says Wilson's bid to represent himself was quickly shot down without the judge asking enough questions. Switalski told Wilson he'd be convicted "to the max" if he relied on himself. Published: Fri, May 13, 2011