A decision on the fate of Dakotah Eliason, a Niles teenager serving life in prison without parole for shooting his grandfather in his sleep two years ago, will be made before May.
Berrien County Judge Scott Schofield heard testimony last month in an evidentiary hearing that will determine if Eliason received ineffective representation from his former attorney, Lanny Fisher. If Schofield determines that’s the case, Eliason could be granted a new trial.
Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur Cotter said Monday that both his office and appellate attorney Jonathan Sacks, who is now representing Eliason, have filed briefs. Schofield will review the written closing arguments and issue an opinion by May 1, Cotter said.
Eliason was 14 when he shot his step grandfather Jesse Miles in the head in his Niles Township home in March 2010. He was tried as an adult and found guilty of first-degree murder.