Judge sets hearing on new-trial request for grandma convicted in Alabama girl's running death
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A judge is considering a request for a new trial for an Alabama woman convicted of capital murder in her granddaughter's running death.
Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree has scheduled a hearing for Thursday for 50-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard.
The defense says numerous rulings by the judge violated Garrard's rights during her trial for the death of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin.
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Garrard's lawyers also say jurors violated court orders to avoid news during the trial.
Prosecutors say Garrard made the girl run for hours as punishment for a lie about candy. She collapsed and later died.
Garrard testified she never meant to harm the child. She is serving life without parole.
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Prosecutors haven't responded to the motion. But they've previously said they're confident the conviction will stand up on appeal.