Convicted killer punched his lawyer, now he's suing officers

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A convicted killer in New Jersey who punched his attorney in the face is accusing sheriff's officers with using excessive force to subdue him.

Randy Washington filed a lawsuit this month, charging that a Mercer County sheriff's officer broke his hand when his knee came down on his wrist after he punched the woman in court. He is seeking $1 million.

The 36-year-old was sentenced nth to 70 years in prison for killing Silas Johnson in 2014 after following him off a train that arrived in the capital city. He has maintained he's innocent.

He punched the lawyer just after closing arguments and with the jury deliberating.

Washington is awaiting trial on charges that he killed a second man in 2014.

A spokesman for the sheriff's office wasn't immediately available to comment.