Elko man appeals 2003 conviction of infant’s death

ELKO, Nev. — Nearly 10 years after a jury found him guilty of shaking to death his infant son, a 39-year-old Wells man took the witness stand for the first time to testify in an appeal of his first-degree murder conviction.

David King says he got bad advice from his public defender when he decided against testifying on his own behalf in Elko County District Court in 2003. He also said Wednesday that he was intimidated by then-Judge Mike Memeo — whom he called “Maximum Mike” because of his reputation for hefty punishments.

King was sentenced to life without parole in the death of his 7-week-old son.

The Elko Daily Free Press reports that his ex-lawyer Fred Lee testified Wednesday he thought he represented King well, but could have made a mistake.