PICKENS - A defense lawyer for the man who murdered a Clemson University student is now accusing the prosecution of misconduct.

Greenville attorney Jim Bannister filed a motion that Solicitor Bob Ariail be recused from the sentencing hearing of Jerry Buck Inman, who pleaded guilty to murdering and raping 20-year-old Tiffany Souers in May 2006.

Bannister also asked for a mistrial.

He made the motions, questioning the solicitor’s conduct toward defense witness Dr. Marti Loring, a sociologist originally slated to testify last September in the sentencing hearing on behalf of Inman.

Loring refused to testify then, saying she felt threatened by the solicitor.

This prompted Judge Ned Miller to delay the sentencing seven months while the defense found another witness.

This morning, Loring told the court she would do the best she could if asked to testify but said she did not have her normal level of composure.

Miller barred the solicitor from cross examining Loring, who also testified about events last week leading up to her return to court today.

However, the judge said there were no grounds to recuse Arial from the case.

After Loring’s testimony, Bannister called to the stand, John Mauldin, who testified to having a similar situation take place concerning the solicitor’s conduct during another death penalty sentencing.

When the hearing broke for lunch, Mauldin was still on the stand.

Since Inman pleaded guilty, Miller must decide if the Tennessee native gets the death penalty or life in prison.

Check back at www.pickenssentinel.com and Wednesday’s edition for further updates.