Zellers v. State

Appellant pleaded guilty in 1966, to the first-degree murder of his uncle’s wife and was sentenced to life imprisonment. On August 8, 1969, appellant filed pro se a petition for post-conviction relief, which he designated “Be lated Verified Motion to Vacate Judgment and Withdraw a Plea of Guilty.” He also petitioned that counsel be appointed for him. The Public Defender of Indiana was appointed to represent him.

On January 14, 1971, an evidentiary hearing was had on appellant’s post-conviction petition. Counsel were directed to furnish tentative findings of fact and conclusions of law by…